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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2010 with funding from 
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http://www.archive.org/details/siegeofsavannahiOOjone 



THE 



SIEGE OF SAVANNAH 



DECEMBEK, 1864. 



CONFEDERATE OPEEATIONS IN GEORGIA 



THE THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT OP SOUTH CAROLINA 



GENERAL SHERMAN'S MARCH 



FROM ATLANTA TO THE SEA. 



CHARLES C. JONES, JR., 

LATS LIEUT. COL. ABTILLERT, C. S. A., AND CHTEP OF AETILLSRT 
DURING THE SIEGE. 



FEINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 



ALBANY, N. Y. : 

JOEL MUNSELL. 

1874. 







Entered according to Act of Congress, 
in the year 1875, 

by CHARLES C. JONES, Jr., ' 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress 
at Washington, D. C. 



TO THE 



CITY OF SAVANNAH, 



IS DEDICATED 



NARKATIYE OF HEE SUFFERINGS 



HER FALL. 



/ 



PREFACE. 



To perpetuate the Confederate memories con- 
nected with the march of General Sherman from 
Atlanta to Savannah is the design of the following 
pages. ^ To be guided in all that he relates by the 
genuine circumstances of the action has been the 
author's care. This sad chapter in the history of 
Georgia has been written only by those who made 
light of her afllictions, laughed at her calamities, 
gloated over her losses, and lauded her spoilers. 
A predatory expedition, inaugurated with full 
knowledge of her weakness, conceived in a spirit 
of wanton destruction, conducted in violation 
of the rules of civilized warfare, and compassed 
in the face of feeble resistance, has been mag- 
nified into a grand military achievement wor- 
thy of all admiration. The easy march of a well 
appointed army of seventy thousand men through 
the heart of a state abounding in every supply 



VI 

save men and materials of war, and at the most 
delightful season of the year, has been so talked 
of and written about by those who either partici- 
pated in the enterprise or sympathized with its 
leaders, that multitudes have come to regard this 
holiday excursion as a triumph of consummate 
military skill and valor — as one of the most won- 
derful exploits in the history of modern warfare. 
Audi alteram partem. 

New York City, 

December 20, 1874. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

General Sherman's Intentions in Projecting Ms Expedition from 
Atlanta to the Coast — Compositionand Strength of the Federal 
Army — Defenceless Condition of Georgia — Inability of the 
Confederate Leaders to Concentrate an Army of Opposition — 
The Federal Advance — General Beauregard' s Dispatches — 
A Levy en masse ordered by the Legislature — Proclamation 
of Governor Brown — Circular from Georgia Representa- 
tives in Confederate Congress, to their Constituents — Sup- 
plemental Proclamation of General A. R. Wright, . . 1 

CHAPTER n. 

Operations of Maj. Gen. Gustavus W. Smith in the Vicinity of 
Atlanta — He Retires upon Griffin, and falls bach to Macon — 
Movements of the Confederate Cavalry under Maj, Gen. 
Wheeler — Macon Defenses, their Armament and Garrison — 
Federal Demonstration against Macon — Battle of Griswold- 
ville — Report of Brig. Gen. Phillips, . . . .21 

CHAPTER HI. 

The Federals occupy Milledgeville — Maj. Genl. Smith moves his 
Command from Macon, by way of Thomasville, to Savannah — 
Ordered by Lieut. Genl. Hardee at once to Grahamville, S. 
G. — Admirable Conduct of the Georgia State Forces — 
Battle of Honey -Hill — Signal Defeat of the Federal Ex- 
pedition from Boyd's Neck, under the Command of Brig. 
Genl. Hatch — Complimentary Resolutions adopted by , the 
Georgia Legislature, . . . . . . .32 



VUl 

CHAPTER IV. 

Adjutant General Wayne occupies Gordon — Retreats to Oconee 
Bridge — Major Hartridge' s Report of Confederate Opera- 
tions at that Point — Wayne^s Command retires to Millen — 
Confederate Movements at Numher 4^ and Number 2, Central 
Rail Road — Col. Fizer disputes Osterhaus's Crossing at the 
Cannouchee — 31aj. Gen. Wheeler's Re-port of the Operations 
of the Confederate Cavalry^ . . . . .44 

CHAPTER y. 

The Siege of Savannah — Concentration of Confederate Forces 
for the Defense of the City — Investment hy the United States 
Forces — Federal Attempts to communicate with the Fleet — 
Confederate Line at Monteitli — Obstruction of Roads leading 
into Savannah — Western Line for the Protection of the City, 
its Location^ Principal Batteries, and Armament — Enu- 
meration of Light Artillery Companies concentrated, for its 
Support — Inundation of the Low Grounds in Front of this 
Western Line — the Western Line, how Subdivided, Com- 
manded, and Garrisoned — Supply of Ordnance, Quarter- 
Master, and Commissary Stores — Statement of Rations 
issued, ......... 7S 

CHAPTER VI. 

Confederate Forces in theSd Military District of South Carolina, 
under Maj. Genl. Sam Jones, guarding the Line of the 
Charleston and Savannah Rail Road — Federal Advance 
from Gregory's Point, and its Repidse near the Tullifinney 
Trestle — Original Confederate Line conceived for the Pro- 
tection of the Sea Coast of Georgia — Advanced Line con- 
trolling the Water Approaches to Savannah — Line of Defense 
for the Immediate Protection of the Eastern and Southern 
Exposures of the City — Location and Armament of the Sa- 
vannah River Batteries, and of the Forts and Earth-ioorks 
erected to guard the Water Approaches to the City — Relative 
Bearings and Distances of these Fortifications from Oglethorpe 
Barracks — Genl. Beauregard's Instructions for the Defense 
of Savannah, ........ 92 



IX 

CHAPTER yil. 

Dislribution of Covfederate Forces along the Western Line — 
Federal Timidity and Hesitation — Capture of the Dispatch 
Boat Ida — Affair at Shaw's Dam — Repulse of the As- 
saidt upon Fort Hardeman — The Tender Resolute cap- 
tured, hy the Enemy — Federal Movement against Fort 
McAllister — Assault upon and Capture of that Work hy 
Uazens's Division — Reports of Major Anderson and of Brig. 
Genl. Hazen — Gcdlcmt Conduct of the Garrison, . . Ill 

CHAPTEE VIII. 

Federal Communication established with the Fleet — Evacua- 
tion of Savannah rendered Imperative — Li7ie of Retreat 
considered and determined upon — Location and Construc- 
tion of Pontoon Bridges across Savannah River — Progress 
of the Siege — Heavy Shirmishinghetween Confederate Cavalry 
and the Enemy on the Left Banh of the Savannah — Deser- 
tions from BrooJes's Foreign Battalion — Sherman's Demand 
for the Surrender of Savannah, its Garrison, and Dependent 
Forts — 'Lieut. Genl. Hardee's Refused — Maj. Genl. Sher- 
man prepares to Bombard the City, .... 131 

CHAPTER IX. 

Progress of the Siege — Maj. Genl. Wheeler's Cavalry Operations 
on the Left Bank of the Savannah and in Rear of the Federal 
Army — Confidential Circulars from Lieut. Genl. Hardee's 
Head Quarters directing the Evacuation of Savannah — 
Evacuation of the City — Order in which the Confederate 
Forces were withdrawn — Good Conduct of the Troops — 
Movement successfully concealed from the Enemy, until fxdly 
Accomplished — Line of Retreat — Heavy Guns disabled. 
Ammunition destroyed, and the Naval Vessels in the River 
burnt and sunk — Reports of Coin. Anderson commanding 
the River and Shore Batteries, and of Lieut. Coin. Jones, 
Chief of Artillery — Genl. Beauregard's Orders for the Dis- 
position of the Confederate Forces after tlieir Retreat from 
Savannah — Formal Surrender of the City by the Mayor 
on the Morning of the 21st of December, 1864 — The Federals 
occupy Savannah, . . . . . . .145 



CHAPTER X. 

Extravagant and Unjustifiable Destruction of Property along 
the Line of llarch — Comparison between the Conduct of 
Confederate and Federal Invading Armies — Sherman's 
Violations of the Accepted Rules of Civilized Warfare — 
Wanton Insidts, Wholesale Plunder, and Barbarous Treat- 
ment of Unarmed Citizens and Defenseless Women, Children 
and Negroes, by Federal Soldiery — The Conduct of the 
Royalist Prevost in 1779 outheroded in 1864 by that of the 
Republican >>herman — The Campaign criticized as a Mili- 
tary Movement — Its Success entirely attributable to the 
Weakness of the Confederacy — Federal and Confederate 
Losses — Capture of Savannah in 1778 — The Evacuation 
of the City^ under the Ci?'cumstances, a, Severe Refection 
upon the Activity and Skill of the Federal Commander^ and a 
marked Achievement on the part of the Confederates^. . 164 



1864. 
SIEGE OP SAVANI^AH. 



CHAPTER I. 



General Sherman's Intentions in Projecting his Expedition from 
Atlanta to the Coast — Composition and Strength of the Federal 
Army — Defenceless Condition of Georgia — Inability of the 
Confederate leaders to Concentrate an Army of Opposition — 
The Federal Advance — General Beauregard's Dispatches — 
A Levy en masse ordered by the Legislature — Proclamation 
of Governor Brown — Circular from Georgia Representa- 
tives in Confederate Congress, to their Constituents — Sup- 
plemental Proclamation of General A. R. Wright. 

" Until we can repopulate Georgia, it is useless 
to occupy it : but the utter destruction of its roads, 
houses and 'people will cripple their military re- 
sources. By attempting to hold the roads we will 
lose a thousand men monthly, and will gain no 
result. I can make the march and make Georgia 
liowl. ***** Hood may turn into Tennessee 
and Kentucky, but I believe he will be forced to 
follow me. Instead of being on the defensive 1 would 
be on the offensive. Instead of guessing at what he 
means, he would have to guess at my plans. The 
difference in war is full twenty-five per cent. I 
can make Savannah, Charleston, or the mouth of 
1 



the Chattahoochee. / 'prefer to march through 
Georgia, smashing things to the sea^ 

So wrote Major General Sherman, from Atlanta, 
to Lieutenant General Grant. That officer having 
sanctioned the proposed movement, and indicated 
a preference for Savannah as the objective point 
of the campaign. General Sherman, about the 
middle of November, 1864, put his columns in 
motion for their march of spoliation and devasta- 
tion through the heart of Georgia. The "smash- 
ing" operation of this modern Alaric was fairly 
inaugurated by the wanton and merciless destruc- 
tion of the cities of Atlanta and Rome. 

For the purposes of the predatory incursion, the 
Federal army was divided into two wings ; the 
right — commanded by Major General 0. 0. 
Howard — comprising the Fifteenth Corps under 
Major General P. I. Osterhaus, and the Seventeenth 
Corps under Major General Frank P. Blair jr., 
and the left, under Major General H. W. Slocum, 
consisting of the Fourteenth Corps, brevet Major 
General J. C. Davis, and the Twentieth Corps, 
Brigadier General A. S. Williams. This infantry 
force of sixty thousand men was accompanied by 
a cavalry division numbering fifty-five hundred 
sabres, commanded by Brigadier General Judson 
Kilpatrick. There was an allowance of about one 
field piece to every thousand men, aggregating 



between sixty-five and seventy guns, fully manned 
and thoroughly equipped. A pontoon train was 
assigned to each wing of the army, and an efficient 
pioneer battalion organized for each corps. The 
entire command was amply provided with good 
wagon trains, loaded with ammunition, and carry- 
ing supplies approximating forty days' rations of 
bread, sugar and coffee, a double allowance of salt 
for the same period, and grain forage for three 
days. Beef cattle, sufficient for forty days' sub- 
sistence, attended the army. No equipment was 
lacking which could in any wise enhance the 
comfort, power, and efficiency of this formidable 
expedition. Acquainted with the character of 
the country through which his route lay, and aware 
of the fact that he would meet with an abundance 
of provisions and forage everywhere. General Sher- 
man anticipated little difficulty in subsisting his 
troops. At this season of the year plantation barns 
were filled with the newly gathered harvest. Corn, 
peas, fodder, sweet-potatoes, syrup, hogs, cattle, 
mules and horses were to be expected without 
stint. The recent movement of General Hood, 
ill-advised and pregnant with naught save disaster, 
left the state of Georgia fairly open to a Federal 
advance. She was destitute of the means of offering 
any substantial resistance. Few troops remained 
within her confines to dispute Sherman's passage 



to the coast. Such was the physical conformation 
of the country, that there existed only occasional 
and partial obstacles to a rapid and successful 
march ; none which could not be readily over- 
come by the pontoon trains and pioneer corps with 
which the Federal army was supplied. For his 
rear Sherman entertained no reasonable fears, 
because the forces of General Thomas were an 
over-match for General Hood's advancing columns. 
Under no possible circumstances could Sherman 
have then been overtaken by Hood, had the latter 
abandoned his plans and started in pursuit. Nor was 
there any likelihood of his encountering serious 
opposition from the Confederates in his front. They 
were far too weak to do more than skirmish in a 
desultory manner with this powerful army of in- 
vasion. Enveloped by an ample guard of cavalry, 
and presenting a front, varying from thirty to 
sixty miles in extent, during their sweeping march 
toward the Atlantic, the Federal general readily 
perceived that his columns could speedily overcome 
any local interruptions and partial hindrances which 
might be attempted by newly organized and feeble 
bodies of citizen soldiery hastily assembled for the 
defense of their immediate homes. At best there 
were in the interior of the state only old men and 
boys to shoulder their fowling pieces and dispute 
the passage of swamps. General Lee, sore-pressed 



in Virginia, could not spare from his depleted ranks 
a single battle-scarred brigade for the emergency. 
A reenforcement of seventy-five thousand men 
would not have placed him in condition to have 
coped, man for man, with the ever multiplying 
hosts marshalled under the bloody banners of Grant. 
Such was the posture of affairs at Wilmington, 
Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, and elsewhere, that 
no disposable troops could be found with which to 
form even a tolerable army of observation. General 
Hood, as we have already intimated, was now so 
far removed from the scene of action that no change 
in his plans would necessitate a postponement of 
the purposed advance. The once puissant armies 
of the Confederacy were sadly reduced by sickness, 
and poverty and wounds and death. Tens of 
thousands of her bravest sons had been gathered 
to their patriot graves, and there were none to 
stand in their places. Her treasures and supplies 
of every kind were well nigh exhausted, and no 
helping hand was outstretched in the hour of 
supreme need. Whole departments did not com- 
prise within their limits troops requisite for the 
successful defense of a sub-district. Isolated in 
position and cut off from all avenues of succor, 
each drop of shed blood flowed from her single 
arm, every feather which warmed and sheltered 
her offspring was plucked from her own breast. 



6 

Lieut. General E. Kirby Smith, commanding 
the Trans-Mississippi Department, was capable of 
no demonstrations which would compel the recall 
of the formidable reenforcements which were hasten- 
ing to the support of General Thomas. Such was 
the scarcity of troops in Alabama and Mississippi, 
that Lieut. General Dick Taylor could detach but 
a handful in aid of Generals Cobb and Smith, who, 
with the Georgia state forces, were concentrated 
in the vicinity of Griffin. Lieut. General Hardee 
could muster forces barely sufficient to constitute 
respectable garrisons for the fixed batteries on the 
coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. General 
Beauregard looked in vain throughout the length 
and breadth of his extensive military division of the 
west for the means of effectual resistance, and was 
disappointed in the amount of assistance which he 
hoped to realize from the Militia, Home Guards, 
and Reserves of the respective states embraced 
within the geographical limits of his command. 

By carefully concealing his objective, and, with 
the heavy masses at command by well conceived 
feints cloaking his real design, General Sherman 
readily conjectured that the small army of ob- 
servation which the Confederates might bring into 
the field would be so divided in the effort to defend 
various and important points, widely removed the 
one from the other, that unity of action would 



become quite difficult. For the same reason the 
chances of his encountering anything like formida- 
ble resistance, were well nigh dissipated. 

At the outset, the cavalry corps of Major General 
Joseph Wheeler, and the Georgia state forces, 
under the command of Major Generals Howell 
Cobb and Gustavus W. Smith, constituted almost 
the only opposing forces on the Confederate side. 

The season of the year selected for the move- 
ment was most propitious ; just the period of in- 
vigorating airs and delightful autumnal suns, of 
clear skies and bracing frosty mornings, of firm 
roads, and abounding health. The stock upon the 
plantations, now in fine condition, could be relied 
on to supply any lack of transportation. 

As, more than three hundred years before, the 
Spanish Adelantado in his quest of treasure com- 
pelled the aid of the Red men of this region to bear 
the burdens of his command while despoiling the 
homes and graves of the sons of the forest, in like 
manner did it enter into the calculation of these 
modern expeditionists to utilize the negroes found 
:on the plantations adjacent to the lines of march 
by compelling them to accompany the columns 
and assist in transporting the booty which was to 
be ruthlessly collected on every side at the hands 
of unprotected women, fatherless children, and 
decrepit old men. 



In all fairness, therefore, this vaunted under- 
taking of General Sherman might well have been 
characterized, in advance, as a holiday excursion, 
on a gigantic military scale, and not as a martial 
enterprise involving exposures, dangers, and un- 
certainties. 

Having on the 14th of November, 1864, com- 
pleted his preliminary arrangements. General Sher- 
man put his right wing, accompanied by Kilpatrick's 
cavalry, in motion in the direction of Jonesboro 
and McDonough, with orders to make a strong 
feint on Macon, cross the Ocmulgee about Planter's 
Mills, and rendezvous in the neighborhood of Gordon 
in seven days exclusive of the day of march. The 
same day General Slocum moved with the Twentieth 
Corps by Decatur and Stone Mountain, with in- 
structions to tear up the rail road from Social Circle 
to Madison, burn the rail road bridge across the 
Oconee east of Madison, and, turning south, reach 
Milledgeville on the seventh day, exclusive of the 
day of march. General Sherman in person left 
Atlanta on the 16th in company with the Four- 
teenth Corps, brevet Major General Jeff C. Davis, 
moving by way of Lithonia, Covington, and Shady 
Dale, directly on Milledgeville. 

By the 23d General Slocum was occupying 
Milledgeville and the bridge across the Oconee, and 
Generals Howard and Kilpatrick had concentrated 



in and around Gordon. The fact of Sherman's 
advance was, by Major General Wheeler, promptly 
communicated to General Beauregard then com- 
manding the military division of the west. His 
action in the emergency is indicated by the follow- 
ing orders and communications. 

Tuscumbia, Ala., !N"ov. 16th, 1864. 
Lieut. Genl. R. Taylor, 

Selma, Ala. : 
Reports of Genl. "Wheeler indicate that Sherman is 
about to move with three corps from Atlanta to Au- 
gusta or Macon. Tn that event you will repair to points 
threatened with the available forces you can spare from 
your department, and assume command of all troops 
in Georgia operating against Sherman. You will cut 
and block up all dirt roads in advance of him, and 
remove or destroy supplies of all kinds in his front. 
Wheeler's Cavalry will harass his flanks and rear. 
You will call on Governors Brown and Bonham, and 
Genl. Hardee for assistance. I will join you should 
it become necessary. When yon leave your "depart- 
ment, turn over the command to Genl. Wheeler.^ 

G. T. Beauregaed. 

^ Copies of this dispatch were sent to Col. Q-. W. Raines, Angusta, Ga., 
Gov. Jos. E. Brown, Milledgeville, Ga., Gov. M. L. Bonham, Columbia, 
S. C, and Lt. Genl. W. J. Hardee, Charleston, S. C. 



10 



TuscumUa, Ala., ITov. 16, 1864. 

Genl S. Cooper, ^ ^'^^^^^ ^- ^; 

A. & I. General, Richmond, Ya. : 

Reports of Genl. Wheeler indicate that Sherman is 
about to move with three corps from Atlanta to Au- 
gusta or Macon; thence probably, to Charleston or 
Savannah, where a junction may be formed with the 
enemy's fleet. 

The threatened attack on Wilmington, in that event, 
must be intended for Charleston. 

I would advise that all available forces which can be 
spared from iJ^orth and South Carolina, be held ready 
to move to defense of Augusta, or crossing of Savannah 
river, in conjunction with forces in state of Georgia. 
Should Sherman take Charleston, or reach Atlantic 
coast, he then might reinforce Grant. 

Genl. Taylor has been ordered to move with his 
available forces into Georgia, and assume command of 
all troops operating against Sherman, should he move 
as reported. G. T. Beauregard. 

Cherokee, Ala., 'Nov. 17, 1864. 

Maj. Genl. Howell Cobb, ^'^^ ^' ^' 

Macon or GriiSiu, Ga. : 
Have ordered Genl. Taylor to send at once all troops 
he can possibly spare, and Genl. Hood to send imme- 
diately one brigade of Jackson's Cavalry Division, or 
the whole division if it can possibly be spared at this 
juncture. A victory in Tennessee will relieve Georgia. 



11 

Call on every available white man and slave to 
destroy and block up roads in Sherman's front, flanks, 
and rear. G. T. Beauregard, 

General. 

[Confidential.] 

luka, Miss., ITov. 17th, 1864, 

6:30 p. M. 
Genl. R. Taylor, Selma, Ala. 

" H. Cobb, Macon or Griffin, Ga. 

" G. W. Smith, Macon or Griffin, Ga. 

Adopt Fabian system. Don't run risk of losing 
your active forces and guns, available for the field, to 
hold any one place or position, but harass at all points. 
Hannibal held the heart of Italy for sixteen years, and 
then was defeated. Be cool and confident, and ^11 will 
yet be right. I will join you soon as possible. 

G. T. Beauregard. 

H'd. Qrs. Mil. Biv. of the West, 
Tuscumbia, Nov. 17th, 1864. 
Genl. J. B. Hood, 

Commd'g, &c., General: 
Genl. Beauregard directs me to say that he desires 
you will take the offensive at the earliest practicable 
moment, and deal the enemy rapid and vigorous blows ; 
striking him whilst thus dispersed, and by this means 
distract Sherman's advance into Georgia. ***** 
Respectfully 

Your Obd't Servt., 
George W". Brent, 
Col. & A. A. G. 



12 



ConniK Nov. 18, 1864. 
Via 8 elm a. 
To the people of Georgia : 

Arise for the defense of your native soil ! Rally 
around your patriotic governor, and gallant soldiers. 
Obstruct and destroy all roads in Sherman's front, 
flank and rear, and his army will soon starve in your 
midst. Be confident and resolute. Trust in our over^ 
ruling Providence, and success will crown your efforts. 
I hasten to join you in defense of your homes and 
firesides. Gr. T. Beauregard. 



West Point, Miss., Kov. 20th, 1864. 

10 A. M. 

Lt. Gent. Taylor, ^ 

Maj. Gent. J. Wheeler ^ Maj. Gent. H. Cobb : 
Genl. Hardee will, for the present, give orders for the 
defense of Georgia, East (South) Chattanooga. My 
views are that positions should be defended only so 
long as not to risk safety of troops and material re- 
quired for active operations in the field. Meanwhile, 
remove to safe locality all government property on line 
of enemy's march, and consume or destroy all supplies 
within his reach. G. T. Beauregard. 



The Legislature of Georgia being in session at 
Milledgeville, then the capital of the state, in prompt 
acknowledgment of the danger, and in earnest 
effort to provide to the utmost for the protection 



13 

of the Commonwealth, on the 18th of November, 
passed the following Act. 

AN ACT to Authorize a levy en masse of the population 
of Georgia for the protection of its liberty and independence. 

Whereas the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the State of G-eorgia, in General Assembly convened, 
have learned from a communication from his Excel- 
lency the Governor, that a large hostile force of the 
foe, whose presence has so long desecrated the soil of 
Georgia, has left Atlanta under the leadership of a 
general whose past history is but a recital of every 
I violation of civilized warfare, and a repetition of every 
' outrage which links barbarism with the coarsest in- 
stincts of brutal nature, with the apparent intention of 
penetrating the heart of our noble old Commonwealth ; 
and whereas in such an emergency it becomes a people 
who are determined to die freemen rather than to live 
slaves, to rise en masse and offer on the altar of a 
common country all the resources in men and money 
which God in His benevolence and wisdom has placed 
at their disposal for the vindication of their rights, 
their liberties and their honor; therefore, finding in 
the history of the past nothing to appall us, but on the 
contrary every incentive to stimulate and press us 
forward to the achievement of a glorious independence 
by sundering the ties which once bound us to a near 
friendship to our vindictive foe : 

Section I. Be it enacted, That the Governor be, and 
he is hereby authorized, during the emergency now 
arising out of the present invasion of the interior of 



14 

our State by the armies of our barbaric foes, to summon 
to arms in the field the entire white male population 
of the State now residing or domiciled in the State, 
physically capable of bearing arms, between the ages 
of sixteen and fifty-five : and to compel their attendance 
for the protection of our soil aud the defense of our 
liberties. 

Section 11. Be it further enacted. That the Governor 
be authorized to accept volunteers in such numbers, 
and such organizations, and for such time as in his dis- 
cretion he may deem wise and prudent, during the 
present emergency, conforming as closely as circum- 
stances will permit to the existing militia organization 
of the State. 

Section m. * * * 

Section IV. * * * 

Section y. * * * 

Section YI. And be it further enacted, That the 
powers conferred upon his Excellency the Governor 
by this Act, shall continue in force for the period of forty 
days and no longer, from and after the forces are called 
out under it. 

Section YII. Be it further enacted. That whereas the 
Constitution has defined the coordinate branches of 
the Government, to wit, the Executive, Judicial, and 
Legislative, and the powers of each ; and whereas one 
branch of the Government should not be subject to the 
control of the others ; therefore it is provided that the 
enlistment of those engaged in the Legislative and 
Judicial Departments of the Government shall not be 
compulsory, but voluntary. 



15 

In order to call public attention at once to the 

scope and effect of this extraordinary legislation, 
the Governor, on the day following the passage of 
the Act, issued this spirited proclamation. 

State of Georgia, Executive Department, 

Milledgeville, ITov. 19, 1864. 

The whole people understand how imminent is the 
danger that threatens the state. Our cities are being 
burned, our fields laid waste, and our wives and 
children mercilessly driven from their homes by a 
powerful enemy. We must strike like men for freedom, 
or we must submit to subjugation. 

Death is to be preferred to loss of liberty. All must 
rally to the field for the present emergency, or the 
state is overrun. 

I, therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me 
by the statute of this state, hereby order a levy en 
masse of the whole free white male population residing 
or domiciled in this state between sixteen (16) and 
fifty-five (55) years of age, except such as are physically 
unable to bear arms, which physical defect must be 
plain and indisputable, or they must be sent to camp 
for examination, and except those engaged in the 
legislative or judicial departments of the government, 
which are by the recent act of the legislature declared 
exempt from compulsory service. 

All others are absolutely required, and members of 
the legislature, and judges are invited to report imme- 
diately to Major General G. W. Smith, at Macon, or 



16 

wherever else in Georgia Ms camp may be, for forty 
(40) days' service, under arms, unless the emergency is 
sooner passed. 

The statute declares that all persons hereby called 
out shall be subject, after this call, to all the rules and 
articles of war of the Confederate states, and on failure 
to report shall be subject to the pains and penalties of 
the crime of desertion. 

Volunteer organizations formed into companies, 
battalions, regiments, brigades or divisions, will be 
accepted for forty (40) days if they even approximate 
to the numbers in each organization which is required 
by the militia laws of this state which were in force 
prior to the late Act. 

All police companies formed in counties for home 
defense will report, leaving at home for the time only 
those over fifty-five (55) years of age, and all persons 
having Confederate details or exemptions who, by the 
late decision of the Supreme Court of this state, are 
held to be liable to state militia service and bound to 
obey the call of the governor. 

All such, refusing to report, will be arrested by the 
police force or by any aid de camp or other officer of 
this state, and carried immediately to the front. The 
necessary employees of rail-roads, now actively engaged, 
and the necessary agents of the express company, and 
telegraph operators are, from the necessity for their 
services in their present position, excused. 

All ordained ministers of religion in charge of a 
church or synagogue, are also excused. 

All rail-road companies in this state will transport 



17 

all persons applying for transportation to the front, 
and in case any one refuses, its president, superintend- 
ent, agents and employees will be immediately sent to 
the front. 

All aides de camp and other state officers are re- 
quired to be active and vigilant in the execution of the 
orders contained in this proclamation, and all Con- 
federate officers are respectfully invited to aid state 
officers in their vicinity in sending forward all persons 
hereby ordered to the front. 

The enemy has penetrated almost to the center of 
your state. If every Georgian able to bear arms would 
rally around him, he could never escape. 

Joseph E. Brown, 

Governor. 



The same day the representatives from Georgia, 
in Confederate congress assembled at Richmond, 
addressed this circular to their constituents. 

Richmond, ITov. 19, 1864. 
To the People of Georgia. 

"We have had a special conference with President 
Davis and the secretary of war, and are able to assure 
you that they have done and are still doing all that 
can be done to meet the emergency that presses upon 
you. Let every man fly to arms. Remove your 
negroes, horses, cattle and provisions away from Sher- 
3 



18 

man's army, and burn what you cannot carry. Burn 
all bridges, and block up the roads in his route. Assail 
the invader in front, flank, and rear. By day and by 
night let him have no rest. 

Julian Hartridge, 
W. E. Smith, 
Mark Blandford, 
John T. Shewmake, 
J. H. Echols, 
James M. Smith, 
GrEo. 'N. Lester, 
H. P. Bell. 



Both Governor Brown and Major General G. 
"W. Smith having, by the rapid intervention of the 
enemy, been cut off from direct communication 
with that portion of the state lying east of the 
Oconee river, obedience to the proclamation of the 
19 th of November, so far as the eastern and 
southern portions of the state were concerned, 
became physically impossible. In order to dispel 
existing doubt, avoid delay, prevent confusion, and 
assist in concentrating at the earliest moment the 
manhood of the state, General A. R. Wright who, 
by virtue of his office as president of the senate, 
became, during the temporary territorial disability 
of the governor, the de facto commander in chief 



19 

of that part of Georgia for the time being beyond 
the influence of the executive, issued the following 
supplemental proclamation. 



Augusta, Georgia, N"ov. 21st, 1864. 

I. His Excellency Gov. Joseph E. Brown, governor 
and commander in chief of the militia of the state, 
being cut off from communication with that portion 
of the state east of the Oconee river by the interposi- 
tion of a hostile army, it becomes my duty as president 
of the senate and ex officio governor during the dis- 
ability of the governor, to assume command of all that 
part of the state thus left without the jurisdiction of 
the governor ; and, as the prompt and faithful execu- 
tion of the recent Act of the legislature providing for 
a levy en masse of the arms-bearing people of the state 
is of vital importance, I do therefore issue this order 
revoking so much of the governor's proclamation as 
provides for the reporting of all the troops raised under 
it to Major General G. W. Smith, and do order that 
the men in all the counties east of the Oconee river 
(except such as may have already reported to Major 
General Wayne) report immediately to me at this place, 
where arms and equipments will be issued by the 
proper oflBcers. 

II. The aides de camp in the districts east of the 
Oconee river will proceed at once to send on to this 
place all men liable to service under the aforesaid act. 



20 

m. A medical board will be established at this place 
for the examination of all men whose fitness for service 
may be considered by the aides de camp as doubtful. 

IV. The emergency is such, that a delay even of a 
single day will in no case be permitted. All must be 
sent forward at once. 

A. E,. WEiaHT, 
President of the Senate, 

and ex officio Governor 
during the disability of Governor Brown. 



21 



CHAPTER II. 

Operations of Maj. Gen. Gustavus W. Smith in the Vicinity of 
Atlanta — He Retires upon Griffin, and falls hack to Macon — 
Movements of the Confederate Gavalry under Maj. Gen. 
Wheeler — Macon Defenses, their Armament and Garrison — 
Federal Demonstration against Macon — Battle of Griswold- 
ville — Report of Brig. Gen. Phillips. 

In obedience to a telegram from General Hood, 
received at Macon on the 12th of October, 1864, 
Major General Gustavus W. Smith concentrated, 
as rapidly as possible, all the available forces in 
that vicinity with a view to an early demonstration 
against Atlanta, then in possession of the Federals. 
In the execution of these orders he, in a short 
time, assembled at Lovejoy's station about twenty- 
eight hundred infantry, three batteries of Con- 
federate light artillery, and between two and 
three hundred local reserve cavalry. This in- 
fantry belonged principally to the First Division of 
Georgia militia. His force being inadequate for 
a direct assault upon Atlanta, as it was then garri- 
soned, General Hood suggested that General Smith 
should cross the Chattahoochee and destroy the 
line of railroad between that river and the Etowah. 
Upon further consideration this movement being 
deemed impracticable. General Smith located his 



22 

command, as a corps of observation, near Atlanta, 
preventing the enemy from foraging, confining the 
Federals within their lines, and acting as a support 
to Brigadier Generallverson who, with two brigades 
of cavalry, was in his immediate front. Major 
General Wheeler reached General Smith's head- 
quarters on the night of the 12th of November, 
and soon after his cavalry corps began to arrive 
from Alabama. 

On the afternoon of the 15th the Confederate 
cavalry, skirmishing heavily with the advancing 
columns of the enemy, fell back from Jonesboro to 
Lovejoys. The same day at dark General Smith 
commenced moving his command to Griffin where 
were field fortifications behind which he hoped to 
be able to check the Federal advance. Ascertain- 
ing the next day that large bodies of the enemy 
had passed through McDonough and were moving 
along the direct road from Atlanta to Macon, 
General Smith, at dark, began retiring his troops 
upon Forsyth. This march of thirty-five miles 
was accomplished in twenty-four hours. Informa- 
tion having there reached him that the Federal 
army was crossing to the east bank of the Ocmul- 
gee river. General Smith retreated upon Macon 
and there turned over his command, with the ex- 
ception of the Georgia militia and two regiments 
of the Georgia state line, to Major General 



23 

Howell Cobb by whom he was assigned to the 
command of a portion of the lines around Macon 
on the west bank of the Ocmulgee river. 

General Wheeler, commanding the Confederate 
cavalry, interrupted, to the extent of his ability, 
the advance of the enemy, and was present at 
Macon when that city was threatened. The im- 
portant services rendered by his cavalry command 
during Sherman's march through Georgia will be 
subsequently considered when we have the plea- 
sure of presenting his hitherto unpublished Official 
Report. 

Considerable expense had been incurred, and 
much labor bestowed upon the construction of 
field-works for the protection of Macon. These 
fortifications were commenced by Captain M. B. 
Grant, but were subsequently changed under the 
directions of Major General M. L. Smith, chief 
engineer of Hood's army. On the west bank of 
the river the defensive line was about four miles 
in length ; and, on the east side, about three miles. 
It consisted of a system of detached works within 
supporting distance of each other. The intention 
was to connect them by means of a stockade ; but, 
at the time of Sherman's arrival, these works were 
incomplete, and the stockade had been scarcely 
commenced. About thirty guns were in position 
along the line, and were served by four or five light 



24 

artillery companies from Hood's army who had 
lost their horses, and by some local artillerists. 
The Confederate force in Macon, when the Federals 
appeared before the city, consisted of about four 
thousand infantry, including the troops brought by 
General Smith from Lovejoys, the reserves from 
Columbus and other points in the state, the local 
troops, conscripts in camp, convalescents from the 
hospital, and a small battalion of Confederate 
troops, some two hundred strong, under the com- 
mand of Lieut. Col. Nisbet. To these should be 
added the artillerists above mentioned, and General 
Wheeler's cavalry then numbering between two 
and three thousand men. 

The Federal demonstration against Macon was 
very partial, and was easily repulsed. Sherman's 
army crossed the Ocmulgee above Macon, and this 
demonstration against the city was made by 
cavalry, and against the Confederate lines on the 
east bank of the river, where General Cobb had 
concentrated his forces in anticipation of an attack. 
In fact, it was merely a feint, while the Federal 
columns were moving upon Milledgeville and other 
points to the south. The casualties were incon- 
siderable. A few Federal prisoners were captured. 

Lieut. Genl. Hardee reached Macon while Sher- 
man was crossing the Ocmulgee above the mouth 
of the Towaliga. Satisfied that the demonstra- 



25 

tion against Macon was a feint, and that no further 
attack would be made, he left for Savannah to 
urge forward, as rapidly as possible, the defenses 
of that city. General Dick Taylor arrived just 
after the departure of General Hardee and, having 
remained only a day in Macon, joined General 
Hardee in Savannah. 

The enemy having abandoned any serious 
designs which may have been entertained against 
the city of Macon, and it being deemed not im- 
probable that the city of Augusta with its valuable 
powder mill, work shops, foundry, arsenal, and 
government stores, would attract the notice of 
Sherman, on the morning of the 21st of November, 
General Hardee ordered the First brigade, Georgia 
militia, to proceed with all dispatch along the line 
of the Central rail road and, moving by rail or other- 
wise as transportation could be secured, to ren- 
dezvous at Augusta at the earliest practicable 
moment. On the afternoon of the same day Major 
General Smith was directed to follow with the 
Second, Third, and Fourth brigades of Georgia 
militia, the two regiments of the Georgia State line, 
and Anderson's Confederate Light Battery. The 
Augusta and Athens battalions of local troops, 
under Major Cook, were ordered to the same point. 
Genl. Hardee left Macon for Savannah on the 
evening of the 21st of November. In his absence, 
4 



26 

and upon the arrival of Genl. Dick Taylor, the 
command devolved upon him, as the ranking 
officer. In pursuance of the foregoing orders Major 
General Smith, on the morning of the 22d, put his 
command in motion in the direction of Griswold- 
ville, with instructions to halt there and await 
further orders. While detained a few hours in 
Macon in consummating necessary arrangements for 
the transportation of supplies and ammunition for 
his command, information was conveyed to General 
Smith that large bodies of the enemy were still in 
the vicinity of Macon and occupying positions 
along the proposed line of his march. An order 
for the recall of the troops was imperative, and 
received the sanction of Lieut. General Taylor. 
That order did not reach them, however, until they 
were on the eve of an engagement with what was 
then supposed to be a small force of the enemy. 
In the language of General Smith's report, " not- 
withstanding my order to avoid an engagement at 
that time and place, a collision occurred, we being 
the attacking party, and though the officers and 
men behaved with great gallantry, they failed to 
carry the works of the enemy, but held a position 
within one hundred and fifty yards of their line 
until after dark, when they were withdrawn to 
Macon by my order." The First brigade was 
not engaged ; having, in execution of orders 



27 

given by General Hardee, passed Griswoldville 
prior to the appearance of tiie Federals. Tlie 
Athens and Augusta battalions participated in 
the action. The Confederate loss was a little over 
six hundred killed and wounded, being more than 
one fourth of the effective muskets in action. 
Several of the best field officers of the command 
were killed or wounded. On this occasion the 
State and Confederate forces were confronted by 
Wood's Divisionof the 15th Army Corps, — General 
Walcott's brigade with two pieces of artillery, and 
a regiment of cavalry on either flank, being in ad- 
vance. The Federals were protected by barricades 
and temporary works. Another corps of Sher- 
man's army was marching from Clinton in rear of 
the position occupied by the Confederates, so that 
their situation was perilous in the extreme. This 
engagement, while it reflects great credit upon the 
gallantry of the Confederate and State forces en- 
gaged, was unnecessary, unexpected, and utterly 
unproductive of any good. The battle of Gris- 
woldville will be remembered as an unfortunate 
accident whose occurrence might have been avoided 
by the exercise of proper caution and circumspec- 
tion. It in no wise crippled the movements of 
the enemy, and entailed upon the Confederates a 
loss which, under the circumstances, could be illy 
sustained. 



28 

The following report of Brig. Genl. Phillips 
furnishes a detailed account of the engagement. 

Head Quarters 2d Brigade Georgia Miliiia, 
December 8th, 1864. 
Col. Thos. Hardeman^ 

A. A. G. Colonel : 

I have the honor to make the following report of the 
operations of the four brigades under my command on 
the 22d JSTovember last. 

The command left Bast Macon at about 8 a. m. and 
arrived without accident at 12 or 1, within about one 
mile of Griswoldville, where I found the Athens and 
Augusta battalions (under command of Maj. Cook) 
drawn up in line of battle, I also met a number of 
cavalry at and near this point, all of whom informed 
me that the enemy was in Griswoldville, and had 
been engaged with some of our cavalry. He was re- 
presented to be about 8 or 1200 strong. I formed a 
line of battle with Genl. Anderson's brigade on the 
right, the Athens and Augusta battalions on his imme- 
diate left, and Brig. Genl. McCoy's brigade on the left 
of the line. The Second brigade, under Col. Mann, was 
formed in the rear as a reserve. The state line, under 
Lieut. Col. Evans, was deployed as skirmishers and 
advanced on Griswoldville, where the enemy had just 
burnt some buildings and retired before we arrived; 
of which facts I informed the major general command- 
ing at about 2 o'clock p. m. 

"Whilst in Griswoldville, Maj. Cook withdrew the 
Athens and Augusta battalions from the line, inform- 



29 

ingme that he was ordered by Lt. Genl. Hardee to pro- 
ceed to Augusta, and proceeded down the Central 
rail road. I soon ordered the command to move down 
the C. R. E,., until it should clear the village, and halt 
to await further orders from Maj. G-enl. Smith. The 
rear of the column had not cleared the village when 
firing of small arms was heard some half mile in ad- 
vance of our column, which was between the advance 
and rear guards of Maj. Cook and the enemy. I ordered 
an advance of the command, and on arriving, I met 
Maj. Cook who pointed out to me the enemy posted 
on the opposite eminence in line of battle, behind some 
temporary entrenchments and fortifications. Maj. 
Cook's skirmishers were then engaged with the enemy 
on his left. I disposed of the forces represented by the 
accompanying diagram, viz : The Athens and Augusta 
battalions on our right (owing to the positions they 
then held) making rather an obtuse angle with the 
State line on their left, and Genl. McCoy's brigade on 
the left of the State line ; G-enl. M's left resting near 
and south of the rail road. Genl. Anderson's brigade 
was formed on the north side of the rail road, his left 
resting parallel with the rail road, and Capt. Anderson 's 
battery of four guns was posted at an eligible site on 
the rail road on the north side. The Second brigade, 
under Col. Mann, was drawn up in rear of the state 
line, and Genl. McCoy's brigade in a secure place to 
act as reserves. In this position an advance was 
ordered. Genl. Anderson with his brigade was to 
attack the enemy on his right fiank. Major Cook with 
his command was to attack him on his left flank, 



30 

whilst Capt. Anderson with his battery, the State line, 
and Genl. McCoy's command should attack him in the 
front. The State hne and Genl. McCoy's brigade moved 
forward in fine style, under a heavy and galling fire, 
until they reached within some fifty yards of the 
enemy's works, which position they maintained during 
the contest, and from which position they delivered a 
telling fire. Col. Mann, deeming that his brigade 
could be of more service near the lines, advanced it to 
near the same position, where it participated in the 
general action. From some misconception of orders, 
when the general advance was being made, Genl. 
Anderson's brigade faced to the right and swept across 
the rail road (save a small detachment on his extreme 
left that was cut ofi" by a deep cut in the rail road) and 
participated with the State line and Genl. McCoy's 
brigade in the direct attack where thev, both ofiicers 
and men, sustained themselves with decision and 
gallantry. After the action had progressed for some 
hours, Genl. Anderson took the detachment of his men 
that had been cut off", and went round to the enemy's 
right fiank, when a most spirited and desperate fight en- 
sued, lasting some hour and a half or more; but the 
enemy was too firmly established, and the general's 
force too small to dislodge him. 

The order to Major Cook (from some cause of which 
I am not aware) to turn the enemy's left, was never 
carried out, yet his command participated fully in the 
action, deported themselves gallantly, and I regret to 
say, suffered much from wounds and deaths. Captain 
Anderson with his battery did good and valuable ser- 



31 

vice, soon silencing the enemy's battery, and forced 
upon him many telling shots. He is a skilful, brave, 
and meritorious officer. The officers and men de- 
ported themselves well during the entire action, which 
lasted from 3 p. m., until dark, held their positions, 
and retired in good order to Griswoldville where I 
had intended to encamp, and bring off" those of our 
wounded and dead that had not been removed from 
the battle field ; but, on my reaching Grriswoldville, I 
received an order from the major general commanding 
ordering me to fall back to the trenches at Macon, 
where I arrived about 2 o'clock a. m. 

I can but believe if the flank movement had been 
carried out with all the forces assigned to that duty, 
that it would have resulted in dislodging and probably 
routing the enemy, notwithstanding he was, I am 
satisfied, fully equal if not superior to our forces. 
Whilst we have to regret the loss of many gallant 
officers and men, yet we cannot but hope that they 
died not in vain. 

Accompanying please find a diagram of the field and 
position of the forces, and the reports of all the officers 
that I have been able to procure. 
I am, with high regard, 

Your obedient servant, 

P. J. Phillips, 
Brig. Genl. Commanding Div. Ga. Militia. 



32 



CHAPTER ni. 

The Federals occupy Milledgeville — Maj. Genl. Smith moves his 
Command from Macon, hy way of Thomasville, to Savannah- 
Ordered hy Lieut. Genl. Hardee at once to Grahamville., S. 
G. — Admirable Conduct of the Georgia State Forces — 
Battle of Honey-Hill — Signal Defeat of the Federal Ex- 
pedition from Boyd's Neck, under the Command of Brig. 
Genl. Hatch — Complimentary Resolutions adopted by the 
Georgia Legislature. 

The Federal columns having withdrawn from the 
vicinity of Macon, and the line of the Central 
rail road being in their possession, the destination 
of Genl. Smith's command was changed from Au- 
gusta to Savannah. On the 25th of November 
it was ordered to move by rail to Albany, thence 
to march across the country to Thomasville, and 
there take the cars of the Atlantic and Gulf rail 
road to Savannah. 

" We arrived," says Genl. Smith, " in Thomas- 
ville by noon, Monday [the 28th], having marched 
from Albany, a distance between fifty-five and sixty 
miles, in fifty-four hours. At Thomasville, instead 
of finding five trains, the number I had requested 
to be sent, there were but two, and these could not 
be started until after dark, and did not arrive here 
[Savannah] until two o'clock Wednesday morning, 
occupying twice the time necessary between Tho- 



33 

masville and Savannah, and leaving the 2d, 3d, 
and 4th brigades at the former place." Upon his 
arrival in Savannah, and before he had left the 
cars, General Smith received a peremptory order 
from General Hardee requiring him immediately 
to proceed with his command to Grahamville, 
South Carolina, to repel an advance of the -Federals 
who, moving up from Broad river, were seeking to 
cut the line of the Charleston and Savannah rail 
road. It was absolutely necessary that this com- 
munication should be preserved. Upon its security 
depended the further occupation of Savannah. 
Over this road must the garrison retreat in the 
event that it became expedient to evacuate the 
city. By this route also, were reenforcements 
expected. General Hardee had no troops which 
could be detailed for this important service, ex- 
cept two regular Confederate regiments from 
Charleston, and it was feared that they would ar- 
rive too late. Not a moment could be lost, and it 
was urged upon General Smith that if he would 
move at once and hold the enemy in check until 
two o'clock p. M. several thousand troops, en route 
from North and South Carolina for the reinforce- 
ment of the garrison at Savannah, would arrive 
and ensure the effectual repulse of the Federals. 
Although the statute organizing the State forces 
confined their service and operations to the limits 
5 



34 

of Georgia; although, strictly speaking, there rested 
upon these troops no legal obligation to move 
beyond the confines of their own state whose ter- 
ritory they were instructed to defend ; although 
General Smith had a qualified authority from 
Governor Brown to withdraw the Georgia State 
forces under his command from Confederate service 
in case they were ordered beyond the limits of the 
state, and although both commander and command 
were '^ almost broken down by fatigue and want 
of rest," realizing that the battle for the salvation 
of the metropolis of Georgia was on the instant to 
be fought onCarolina soil, and, after a full conference 
with the lieutenant general becoming perfectly satis- 
fied that it was right and proper the movement 
should be made, General Smith issued the requisite 
orders and, about eight o'clock on Wednesday 
morning, the 30th of November, arrived at Graham- 
ville, South Carolina, with his leading brigade. The 
conduct of General Smith and the Georgia State 
troops in this trying emergency will be always 
remembered with peculiar pride and in especial 
honor. 

On Tuesday, the 29th of November, a Federal 
force, under the immediate command of Brigadier 
General John P. Hatch, consisting of five thousand 
meti of all arms, including a brigade from the 
navy, proceeded up Broad river to Boyd's Neck, 



36 

where it landed with the intention of taking pos- 
session of and occupying the Charleston and Sa^ 
vannah rail road at Graham ville. This involved 
a march of only some seven miles. This expedi- 
tion was conceived in aid of General Sherman who 
was known to be seeking the coast at some con- 
venient point. By thus severing the communica- 
tion between Savannah and Charleston, the former 
city would be completely isolated and Sherman 
enabled at pleasure, and without hazard, to cross 
the Savannah river at almost any point below 
Augusta, and establish communications with Port 
Royal, then the principal Federal depot on the 
south Atlantic coast. 

When General Hatch effected a landing at 
Boyd's Neck the only Confederate force on duty 
at Grahamville was a part of a squadron of the 
Third South Carolina Cavalry. All available troops 
in the district had been sent into the interior to 
oppose General Sherman's advance. Colonel C. 
J. Colcock, the district commander, was fifty 
miles away, superintending the erection of field 
works at the principal crossings of the Savannah 
river. The Federals having effected a landing at 
Boyd's Neck at eight o'clock on the morning of 
the 29 th of November, at a remove of only seven 
miles from the rail road, and there being at the 
time no Confederate forces in the neighborhood to 



36 

dispute their advance, had they moved promptly 
upon Grahamville, the Charleston and Savannah 
rail road would have passed into their possession 
without a struggle. During the whole of the 
29th they were engaged, however, in intrenching 
themselves at a point distant half a mile from 
where they landed, and thus the golden opportun- 
ity was suffered to pass unimproved. Colonel 
Colcock arrived at Grahamville about seven o'clock 
on the morning of the 30th, and an hour after- 
wards Major General G. W. Smith, with his lead- 
ing brigade, was on the ground. Advices were 
received that the Federal column, marching up 
the Honey-Hill road, had passed Bolan's church 
and was then only five miles from Grahamville. 
The line of breastworks, previously constructed 
for the use of infantry and field-artillery, being 
equidistant between Grahamville and the church, 
it became all important that the advance of the 
enemy should be retarded in order that the Con- 
federates might occupy those works. With this 
view Colonel Colcock pushed rapidly forward with 
a 12 pounder Napoleon gun of Kanapaux's Light 
Battery, under command of Lieutenant Zealy, and 
company K, of the Third South Carolina Cavalry, 
Captain Peeples. He encountered the head of the 
Federal column on a causeway a mile and a half 
in front of the breastworks. It was a most favor- 



37 

able position for impeding the enemy's progress. 
On the left was an impenetrable swamp, and on 
the right an extensive old field intersected by 
numerous canals and ditches. Lieut. Zealy's 12 
pounder Napoleon was planted so as to command 
the causeway, and Captain Peeples's company was 
dismounted and deployed as skirmishers across the 
old field. The first shell from the Napoleon gun 
is said to have killed and wounded nine men of 
the enemy. Upon its discharge the column halted, 
and, after considerable delay, left the road, marching 
across the field with a view to flanking the Con- 
federate position. In order to counteract this 
movement Colonel Colcock ordered his men to set 
fire to the broom-sedge which was dry, and covered 
the entire field. A strong wind at the time pre- 
vailing and blowing in the direction of the enemy, 
carried down upon them, with surprising rapidity, 
a fierce line of flame and smoke before which they 
precipitately retreated, in their flight abandoning 
blankets, haversacks, and knapsacks. Reforming 
in the road, the Federals advanced. Colonel Col- 
cock retiring with his little command and disputing 
their progress from time to time as opportunity 
occurred. 

Meanwhile General Smith had fully occupied 
the breast works, and completed his dispositions. 
To Colonel Colcock, the district commander, was 



38 

assigned the immediate executive command of the 
main line. 

The engagement commenced about ten o'clock 
in the morning, and from that time until nearly 
dark the enemy made continuous but fruitless 
efforts to carry the Confederate position. The 
Confederates brought into action five pieces of 
field artillery and about fourteen hundred effective 
muskets. There were also three companies and 
two detachments of the Third South Carolina 
Kegiment of Cavalry, under Major Jenkins.^ The 
Confederate line of battle extended from the Honey- 
Hill road, on which its right rested, in a semi- 
circular form, through an open pine barren, to the 
Coosawhatchie road. 

At a remove of some hundred and fifty yards, 
directly in front of the Confederate line, and ex- 
tending almost its entire length, was alow, swampy 
ground, about twenty yards wide. Upon its 
appearance about one hundred and twenty yards 
in front of the field works occupied by the Con- 
federates, and in a curve in the Honey-Hill road, 
the infantry and artillery immediately opened a 
murderous fire upon the head of the Federal column, 
before which it melted away. Thus commenced 

* The following organizations were present on this memorable 
occasion, and constituted the little Confederate army charged 



39 

the engagement. The Federals were advancing 
in apparent ignorance of this line of field works, 
and of the serious opposition which they were 
destined to encounter. Staggered by this unex- 
pected and destructive fire, the enemy recoiled ; 
and some time elapsed before they deployed in line 
of battle to the right and left of the Honey-Hill 
road in front of the Confederate line and just 
across the swampy ground to which allusion has 
already been made. This low ground was wooded 
to an extent sufiicient to conceal the movements 



with driving back a Federal force more than three times as nu- 
merous. 
Infantry. 

The 1st Brigade Georgia Militia : Col. Willis. 
The State Line Brigade. [Georgia] Col. Wilson. 
The 17th Georgia, Confederate Kegiment, Lt. Col. Edwards. 
The 32d " " " Lt. Col. Bacon. 

The Athens Battalion Major Cook. 

The Augusta " i ^ Major Jackson. 

Cavalry. 

Companies B and E, and detachments from Company C 
and the Rebel Troop, all belonging to the 3d Regiment 
South Carolina Cavalry, under command of Major Jen- 
kins. 
Artillery. 

A section of the Beaufort Artillery, Capt. Stuart. 
" " " De Pass's Light Battery. 
" " " the Lafayette Artillery. 
One gun from Kanapaux's Light Battery. 







% 



40 

of the enemy, but not to protect them from the 
heavy fire of infantry and artillery which crashed 
through their ranks, causing great destruction and 
demoralization. So soon as the Federals had 
formed their line of battle, efforts were made to 
force the centre of the Confederate line and also 
to turn its flanks. These attempts were renewed 
from time to time, but on each occasion resulted 
in defeat and heavy loss. The Confederate troops 
in position bravely held their ground, and the 
gallant Thirty Second Georgia Regiment, which 
constituted a movable reserve, rendered efficient 
service in repulsing these attacks, appearing al- 
ways at the proper point at the most opportune time. 
Wearied with and disheartened by these repeated 
repulses, and perceiving their inability to force 
our position, the Federals, about four o'clock in the 
afternoon, slackened their fire, massed their artillery 
on their left and in the Honey-Hill road to cover their 
retreat, and commenced retiring. The Confederate 
left wing was advanced, but his men being greatly 
exhausted and having been for many hours with- 
out food, Genl. Smith did not deem it best to pur- 
sue. The retreat of the enemy was effected 
® during the evening and night of the 30th, and the 

next morning found the remnant of General 
Hatch's army behind its breastworks near Boyd's 






41 

landing, covered by the protecting batteries of the 
Federal gun boats. 

The Confederate losses amounted only to four 
killed and forty wounded. Those of the enemy 
are stated by General Grant, in his official report, 
as seven hundred and forty-six in killed, wounded 
and missing. The Confederate artillery was ad- 
mirably handled and did great execution. In 
General Hatch's command were several negro 
regiments. They suffered severely ; and it ap- 
peared, upon a subsequent inspection of the field, 
that they were forced to occupy the most exposed 
positions. Some Confederate officers, who examined 
many of their dead bodies, noticed wounds in the 
back which suggested the impression that some 
of them at least had been forced into action at the 
point of the bayonet. 

" I have never seen or known of a battle field," 
says General Smith in his official report, " upon 
which there was so little confusion, and where 
every order was so cheerfully and promptly obeyed, 
and where a small number of men for so long a 
time successfully resisted the determined and oft 
repeated efforts of largely superior attacking forces." 

The enemy having been thoroughly beaten 
back on the 30th, and Confederate forces having, 
during the afternoon of that day and the morning 
of the 1st of December, concentrated at Graham- 



42 

ville in numbers sufficient to confirm the fruits of 
the victory and repel any new attack, General 
Smith regarded the necessity as no longer existing 
for detaining the Georgia state troops "beyond 
their legal jurisdiction." Accordingly, having 
asked and obtained permission from Lieut. General 
Hardee to lead his exhausted command back to 
Georgia, General Smith arrived in Savannah with 
his troops at ten o'clock on the night of the 1st of 
December. From this time until the evacuation 
of the city, this officer and the State forces were 
posted on the right of the western lines of the city 
of Savannah, where they rendered efficient service 
and sustained an honorable part prior to and during 
the progress of the siege. 

This victory at Honey-Hill relieved the city of 
Savannah from an impending danger which, had 
it not been thus averted, would have necessitated 
its immediate evacuation under the most perilous 
circumstances, maintained the only line of com- 
munication by which reenforcements were expected 
for the relief of the commercial metropolis of 
Georgia, and finally afforded an avenue of con- 
venient retreat when, three weeks afterwards, the 
garrison, unable longer to cope with the enveloping 
legions of Sherman, evacuated the city. In ac- 
knowledgment of the gallantry, patriotism, and 
distinguished services of General Smith and his 



43 

command in this brilliant affair, the Legislature of 
Georgia on the 9th of March, 1865, passed the 
following resolutions : 

Hesolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives 
in General Assembly met, That the thanks of the State 
are due and are hereby tendered to Genl. G. W. Smith 
and to the officers and men composing the First Division 
of Georgia Militia, and to the officers and men of the 
Georgia State Line, for their conspicuous gallantry at 
Griswoldville in this State ; and especially for their un- 
selfish patriotism in leaving their State and meeting 
the enemy in the memorable and well fought battle- 
field at Honey-Hill in South Carolina. 

The State with pride records this gallant conduct of 
her militia, and feels assured that when an emergency 
again arises, State lines will be forgotten by her militia, 
and a patriotism exhibited which knows nothing but 
our whole country. 

Besolved, That his Excellency the Governor be re- 
quested to transmit a copy of these Resolutions to 
General G. W. Smith, with a request that they be read 
to all the troops under his command. 



44 



CHAPTER lY. 

Adjutant General Wayne occupies Gordon — Retreats to Oconee 
Bridge — Major Rartridge's Report of Confederate Opera- 
tions at that Point — Wayne's Command retires to Millen — 
Confederate Movements at Number 4 J and Number 2, Central 
Rail Road — Col. Fizer disputes Osterhaus's Crossing at the 
Cannouchee — Maj. Gen. Wheeler's Report of the Operations 

. of the Confederate Cavalry. 

No resistance was offered to General Slocum 
when he occupied Milledgeville on the 23d of 
November. The Legislature hastily adjourned 
upon the approach of his column. The supreme 
court also adjourned, and the Governor left the 
capital. The capture of military stores at Milledge- 
ville were unimportant. The State Library suf- 
fered severely, and the town was largely pillaged. 
On the 19th of November, Adjutant General Hen- 
ry C. Wayne with the corps of Cadets, Pruden's 
Battery of Light Artillery, Talbott's company of 
Cavalry, Williams's Militia company, the Factory 
and Penitentiary Guards and the Roberts's Guards 
(convicts), aggregating about five hundred men, 
and under the immediate command of Maj. F. W. 
Capers, superintendent of the Georgia Military 
Institute, evacuated Milledgeville and fell back 
upon Gordon. On the afternoon of the next day 



45 

this force retreated along the line of the Central 
rail road and took post at the Oconee bridge, " as 
the most important point on the Central rail road 
to be defended." Upon arrival, Adjutant General 
Wayne found at the bridge a guard of 186 men, 
consisting of Heyward's company of South Caro- 
lina Cavalry, a section of Maxwell's Light Battery, 
Lieutenant Huger, and a detail from the 27th 
Georgia Battalion, all under the command of Major 
Alfred L. Hartridge who had been ordered by 
Major General Lafayette McLaws, commanding 
the district of Georgia, to defend this crossing to 
the last extremity. Major Hartridge thus details 
the services rendered in obedience to these instruc- 
tions. 

Savannah, March 17, '67. 
Col. C. C. Jones, 

Dear Colonel : 

On the night of the 18th ITovember, '64, while at 
Rosedew Battery, I received orders from Genl. Mc- 
Laws, then commanding the district of Georgia, to pro- 
ceed to the Central rail road bridge on the Oconee 
river, and to hold said bridge against what was then 
supposed to be a raiding party from Sherman's army. 
For this purpose I was given a section of artillery 
(Lt. Huger, two 12 pounder I^apoleons), a company 
of cavalry (the Ashley Dragoons, Capt. Hey ward), and 
100 infantry selected from the 27th Georgia Battalion. 

I arrived at the rail road bridge with my command 
on the evening of the 19th November, and immediately 



46 

proceeded to make what arrangements I could for its 
defense. The river, at this point, has a large belt of 
swamp on both sides ; the bridge over the stream being 
approached by trestle work on the Savannah side of 
f of a mile, and on the Macon side of over a mile in 
length, so that I at once saw that I had a dif&cult task 
to perform in defending not only the bridge proper 
but the long line of trestle, against a superior force, 
particularly as my artillery would be of little service 
from the nature of the ground. 

On the morning of the 20th, hearing that Gen. 
"Wayne was at Gordon with a force of State troops, I 
took an engine and paid him a visit 

Arriving at Gordon about 2 o'clock p. m., I found 
him there with about 450 men, a battery of 6 pieces 
of artillery, a company of cavalry, several companies 
of Georgia militia, and the Georgia State Cadets under 
Major Capers. Soon after my arrival his pickets were 
driven in by the advance of the enemy who were re- 
ported to be approaching in force. Gen. Wayne, 
thinking Gordon a position of no value, decided to fall 
back to the Oconee bridge without giving battle. 
Most of the guns and baggage being already on the 
train, he moved off at 4 o'clock p. m., bringing off 
everything safely, and arrived at the bridge the same 
afternoon. 

He, as superior in rank, took command, but re- 
quested me to keep command of the post, and, under 
his direction, to make what disposition of the troops 
I thought best. 



47 

I knew that tlie enemy could flank us by crossing 
at Milledgeville, so I had all the bridges on Buffalo 
creek destroyed, and placed guards at each. The 
nearest crossing below was Ball's ferry, 8 miles off. 
At this point I placed as strong a force as I could spare, 
using the cavalry to picket the river above and below, 
and Buffalo creek. I had rifle pits dug on both sides 
of the bridge, and my two Napoleons were placed in 
position at the nearest point of high ground. Scouts 
were thrown across the river to watch the movements 
of the enemy. 

On Tuesday, the 22d November, the enemy appeared 
in our front in large force. Gen. Wayne, in consulta- 
tion with his principal ofiicer, determined to abandon 
the bridge, deeming the force under his command in- 
adequate for its defense ; he having telegraphed to Gen. 
McLaws for reenforcements and receiving an answer 
that there were none to send. As my orders from Gen. 
McLaws were positive to hold the bridge to the last 
extremity, I refused to move my troops with those of 
Gen. Wayne, stating to him that I was determined to 
hold the position as long as possible. I at the same 
time telegraphed Gen. McLaws the state of affairs ; he 
replying that I must obey his instructions to hold the 
bridge and not to consider myself under Gen. Wayne's 
orders. Upon submitting this reply to Gen. Wayne, he 
decided not to evacuate, but to stay and share my fate. 

On the 23d the enemy appeared at Ball's ferry, and 
driving back my guard, took possession of the flat and 
boats, and commenced crossing. Taking Heyward's 
and Talbott's companies of cavalry, Huger's section 



48 

of artillery, aud about 80 men of the 27th Battalion of 
Georgia Volunteers, I proceeded immediately to the 
ferry with the intention of driving the enemy back if 
possible. Hastening ahead of my command with Hey- 
ward's cavalry, I arrived at the high land (the swamp 
extending for about one mile from the river at this 
point) nearest the ferry, at about 3 o'clock p. m., and 
learned from a countryman living near that the enemy 
were still crossing, and that from 4 to 600 were already 
on our side and were bringing their horses over. I 
ordered Capt. Heyward to advance dismounted, and 
feel their strength. At the same time I sent back 
orders to my command to hasten up. After a sharp 
skirmish Capt. Heyward was driven back, and re- 
ported the enemy advancing. 

The balance of my force having arrived, I placed my 
artillery so as to command the road leading out of the 
swamp, and dismounting the cavalry, I made the best 
breastwork I could with fence rails, and awaited the 
approach of the enemy. 

But they not making their appearance, aud feeling 
satisfied that if I remained inactive in my present posi- 
tion they would cross a large force, I determined to 
make the attack. So, throwing out Heyward's com- 
pany (dismounted) as skirmishers, and forming the 
infantry andTalbott's cavalry into line of battle (leaving 
the artillery in my fortified position as a reserve) I 
advanced on the ferry and, after a fight of about one 
hour and a half, I forced the enemy to recross the river 
(except a few on horseback who escaped into the swamp 
or were captured). Their loss was 36 killed, and an un- 



49 

known number wounded. My loss was 2 killed and 
7 wounded. 

Leaving Capt. Talbott to bold tbe ferry, I hastened 
back to the bridge and arrived there late that night. 
During that day there had been some active skirmish- 
ing between our forces and a brigade of Kilpatrick's 
mounted infantry. During the night a courier arrived 
from Genl. Wheeler and stated that he (Wheeler) was 
crossing at Blackshear's ferry a few miles below 
Ball's. Later in the night we were joined by a regiment 
of Wheeler's cavalry. 

We learned from our prisoners that the troops I 
encountered at Ball's ferry were an advance of the 15th 
Army Corps, and that those in front of us were portions 
of Kilpatrick's command, the main body of Sherman's 
army being at Milledgeville. 

All of the 24th was occupied in defending the rail 
road bridge against vigorous attacks. With Hayward's 
company dismounted and acting as riflemen, the 27th 
Battalion Ga. Volunteers, and the hearty cooperation 
of Maj. Capers with the State Cadets, and Capt. Pruden 
with a piece of artillery mounted on a platform car, 
we managed to keep them at bay. That night Col. 
Gaines, with 4 or 500 men, joined us from Wheeler. 

On the morning of the 25th Lt. Geul. Hardee arrived 
and visited me at my position in front of the bridge. 
At that time the enemy had succeeded in setting fire 
to the trestle very near the bridge, but they dared not 
approach it as my sharp shooters commanded it. 
They had also brought a piece of artillery into play 
and were doing all they could to drive us from our 
7- 



50 

position, but without effect. After ordering me to 
hold my position, Genl. Hardee returned to 'No. 13, 
the enemy having crossed at Milledgeville and moved 
in that direction. During the afternoon the enemy 
withdrew from our front and, during the night, we 
received orders from Genl. Hardee to fall back to 
1^0. 13. 

We were then ordered to fall back to the Ogeechee 
rail road bridge ; Huger with his two ITapoleons, and 
Heyward with Jhis company, being ordered to report 
to Genl. Wheeler. We arrived at l^o. 10 about 3 
o'clock on the afternoon of the 26th, and the next day 
received orders to fall back to Millen and fortify. 

On the 29th I received orders from Genl. Hardee to 
proceed to Savannah with the 27th Battalion, and 
arriving there on the oOtb, was ordered to take com- 
mand of the line at Monteith, extending from the 
Charleston and Savannah rail road bridge to Harrison's 
place. 

Three important roads crossed my line, the Augusta 
road, the Middle-ground, and the road through Har- 
rison's place. The swamp in front of my line had been 
reported impracticable by the engineer in charge, 
Capt. Grant, but upon careful examination I found I 
could ride through it in many places. I reported this 
fact to Maj. Black of Genl. Hardee's staff next day, 
and convinced him of the weakness of the position, as 
the engineer had erected earth works only at the in- 
tersections of the three roads mentioned. But, as I 
received orders to hold the line as long as possible, I 
made the best of it. I had about 800 troops under my 



51 

command consisting of the 27th Battalion Georgia 
Volunteers 250 strong, a Forth Carolina battalion of 
about 350 men, Howard's local battalion of about 150 
men, and Capt. Abel's battery of 2 ISTapoleons and 2 
howitzers. I placed the 27th battalion, with Abel's 
2 ISTapoleons, to defend the Augusta road, thinking it 
the most important, the I^orth Carolina battalion on 
the right, 4 miles off at Harrison's place, and Howard's 
battalion in the center, each with a howitzer. 

About this time Capt. Geo. S. Owens, and a Mr. 
McLeod, rendered me much assistance, with a force 
of negroes, in obstructing the roads and destroying 
the bridges in my front. 

" On the 5th December, scouts reported the enemy 
advancing on the Augusta road, and at the same time 
I learned that Gen. Baker of I^Torth Carolina, com- 
manding on my left, was attacked. The next day my 
advanced guard on the Augusta road was driven in, 
the enemy capturing the lieutenant in command and 
five men. 

The next day I was joined by Major Black, and at 
my suggestion he agreed to take charge of my left, 
leaving me with the right. About ten o'clock that 
morning the enemy's skirmishers opened on my line, 
and soon afterwards they commenced a rapid fire from 
a small Parrott gun. Capt. Abel with his two ISTapo- 
leons succeeded in silencing this piece after an ex- 
change of about 14 shots, but they kept up a scattering 
fire of musketry until about 2 o'clock, when they made 
a charge along my whole line. On the left, where 
Major Black had charge, they forced back the ITorth 



52 

Carolina battalion, and also caused Howard to fall 
back, as be feared being flanked. Maj. Black con- 
tinued to retreat until he reached the rail road at 
Montieth Station and there formed another line, the 
enemy having stopped at Genl. Harrison's house. In 
the mean time I was pressed hard, but managed to hold 
my position on the Augusta road. 

About 4 o'clock I received orders from Genl. Hardee 
to fall back to the Charleston and Savannah rail road 
bridge over the Savannah river, where he would have 
boats to convey my troops to the city. But as this 
necessitated the abandonment of the section of artillery 
with me (which had by the gallant conduct of its 
commander and men enabled me to hold my position) 
I telegraphed the general asking permission to hold 
my present position until after night fall, when I felt 
that I could withdraw without serious loss. I would 
here remark that during the time I was in front of the 
Federals in Georgia, and afterwards in the two Caro- 
linas, I never knew them to make an attack, or in- 
augurate an offensive movement during the nighttime. 

My request being granted, I held my position until 
8 o'clock, when I withdrew to the station, joining 
Maj. Black with the balance of the command. Here 
I received orders to hold the rail road until a train 
which was to convey Genl. Beauregard to Charleston 
should pass. At 10 o'clock I was instructed to fall 
back to the inner line of defenses 4 miles from 
Savannah. The next day I was placed under Genl. 
Gustavus Smith's command on the right of the line, 
where I remained for several days. 



53 

The day after the fall of Fort McAllister Genl. Hardee 
ordered me to take command of the line of the Little 
Ogeechee, extending from the Rosedew Batteries to 
the Atlantic and Gulf rail road bridge over the Little 
Ogeechee. The troops under my command were the 
garrison at Rosedew (two companies of Cobb Guards), 
three companies of the 1st Georgia Regulars, under 
Capt. Twiggs, three sections of Wheeler's horse ar- 
tillery, and a company of Wheeler's cavalry. The 
batteries at Rosedew consisted of three 10 inch Co- 
lumbiads, one rifled 18 pounder, one smooth bore 32 
pounder, and one 10 inch mortar. 

I placed Capt. Twiggs, with the regulars and a sec- 
tion of horse artillery, at Coffee bluff, so that they 
could defend the bluff and, in case of necessity, act as 
a reserve to the batteries at Rosedew, or the points 
above the bluff. I placed another section of artillery 
at Johnson's landing, and the third at the rail road 
bridge, using the cavalry as pickets along the line. 

Ko decided demonstration was made on this line. 
On the 17th, a faint attack was made on the bridge. 
On the moruing of the 19th, the enemy attacked 
Beaulieu battery, just opposite, with one gun boat and 
a mortar boat. To divert their attention I opened on 
them with my mortar, they returning shot for shot, 
but I cannot say much damage was done on either 
side. That night I received information that Savannah 
was to be evacuated on the night following, (20th 
December), and, my orders were to move into the city 
by 8 o'clock p. m., of the 20th. 

On the afternoon of the evacuation I destroyed all 



54 

my powder by throwing it into the river, cut up and 
damaged, as far as I could, my gun carriages, spiked 
the guns, and did everything I could to destroy the 
batteries, etc., without making any noise or resorting 
to fire. At 5 o'clock p. m., I withdrew from the line 
as ordered, and arrived in Savannah between 8 and 9 
o'clock. ^ 

Yours, very truly, 

Alfred L. Haetridge. 



On Saturday, the 26th of November, the forces 
concentrated for the defense of the Oconee bridge 
were withdrawn, and the same day reached number 
13 on the line of the Central rail ,road, where 
Huger's section of Maxwell's Light Battery was 
turned over to Maj. General Wheeler. General 
Wayne having received orders from General Hardee 
to occupy the rail road bridge across the Ogeechee, 
started at once with his command for that point, 
which was reached at one o'clock p. m. the same 
day. 

The enemy having cut the Waynesboro road on 
the morning of the 27th, General Wayne was di- 
rected to fall back upon Millen and fortify that 
position. While at Millen, in the execution of 
these orders, he was notified that Kilpatrick's com- 
mand, some four thousand strong, was moving 
upon that point. He therefore fell back with his 



55 

commandto number 4 J, behind the Little Ogeechee 
rail road bridge. 

On the third of December, at day-break, he was 
joined by the State line and the First Brigade" of 
Georgia Militia of General Smith's Division, under 
the command of General Robert Toombs, at the 
time acting as inspector general" of the First Di- 
vision, At eleven o'clock the same day General 
Baker arrived with his brigade of North Carolinians. 
Being advised that the 15th Army Corps, on the 
other side of the Ogeechee, was moving upon 
station number 2, Central rail road, and heavy 
columns of the enemy being in front on the rail 
road and on the right of the Confederate position, 
it was deemed best by Genl. Wayne to return at 
once to number 2. Upon arrival there he was met 
by Major Black of General Hardee's staff, with 
instructions to return at once to number 4 J where 
he would be reenforced. This order was promptly 
obeyed. 

Early in the morning of December 4th, Ander- 
son's and Phillips's brigades of the Georgia militia 
reported for duty at number 4 J. Line of battle 
was formed behind the Little Ogeechee, with a 
force of four thousand infantry and three pieces 
of artillery. General Baker was assigned as exe- 
cutive officer in command of the line. At 1:35 
p. M. the advance-guard of the 17th Corps appeared 



66 

on the left, and skirmishing began there and in 
front of the bridge on the rail road. At 4 p. M. 
Major General McLaws arrived from Savannah 
with instructions from General Hardee to assume 
the command. Having reconnoitered the position 
and being convinced of the utter inutility of offering 
resistance at this point, at half past five o'clock 
General McLaws ordered a withdrawal of the 
forces, which was done during the night, the troops 
falling back quietly to number 1 J. At 7 p. m. the 
enemy ceased skirmishing and began entrenching. 
The next day the State forces and Baker's com- 
mand resumed their positions in the western lines 
for the defense of Savannah. 

The passage of the Cannouchee by General 
Osterhaus's column had been vigorously but vainly 
disputed by Colonel JohnC. Fizer and his command. 

In advance of the Federal approach the prisoners 
at Andersonville and Millen had been safely re- 
moved — much to the chagrin of the invading 
forces. The Confederate line at Monteith being 
found impracticable, was evacuated, as has already 
been indicated in the intelligent communication 
of Major Hartridge, the officer in command. 

As most of the fighting in retardation of 
Sherman's advance was done by the Confederate 
cavalry, under Major General Wheeler, we have 
purposely refrained from alluding to the services 



67 

rendered by this arm of the service in order that 
we might avail ourselves of the connected narrative 
contained in the following report. 

Head Quarters Cavalry Corps, 

near 8avannah, Ga., Dec. 24th, 1864. 
Lt. Coin. T. B. Roy, A. A. Geiil., 
Hd. Qs. Dept., etc. 

Colonel : I have the honor to submit the following 
report of the operations of my command from ITov. 
19th, 1864, the date Genl. Hardee assumed command. 

For several days previous to that date I had been 
resisting the enemy's advance from Atlanta towards 
Macon, reporting daily to Genls. Bragg, Hood, Hardee, 
and Taylor, and also to Gov. Brown almost the exact 
movements and intentions of the enemy. Anderson's 
brigade had been ordered to report to Maj. Genl. Howell 
Cobb at Macon, in order that he might place him in 
position to observe the enemy approachii)g Macon on 
the east side of the Ocmulgee river. This brigade was 
placed in position by General Cobb on the Clinton 
road. 

On the 19th I sent Crews' Georgia brigade with 
orders also to report to Genl. Cobb. This brigade 
Coin. Crews reports was placed in position on the 
Milledgeville road with instructions (as I afterwards 
learned), to follow and engage any raiding party of the 
enemy which might move towards the rail road. 

Towards evening on the 19th, I ascertained from my 
scouts that the main forces of the enemy had crossed 



58 

the Ocmulgee river above the mouth of the Towaliga, 
which iijclucedme to move toMacoD in person, direct- 
ing all my command, except Ferguson's and Breckin- 
ridge's brigades, to follow me. On arriving at Macon 
about 11 p. M., I found Lt. Genl. Hardee who had 
assumed command of the department. He directed me 
to move at daylight with all my available force, except 
Crews' brigade, out on the Clinton road and ascertain 
the enemy's force and location. In obeying this order, 
and before marching towards Clinton, both my flanks 
were menaced bj'' small parties of the enemy which I 
was obliged to drive off", causing some delay. I then 
moved on rapidly with my advanced guard to Clinton, 
and found Osterhaus' corps moving through the town. 
This was not observed until very near the column, 
owing to a dense fog. Six men dashed into the town 
and captured Genl. Osterhaus' servant (an enlisted 
man), within twenty feet of Genl. Osterhaus' Head 
Quarters. A regiment of the enemy's cavalry charged 
us, making the retreat of my small escort necessary. 
A squad of the enemy's cavalry had pressed in upon 
my line of retreat, between my position and the body 
of my command. These, however, were soon cleared 
away by the approach of two of my regiments which 
came up rapidly to my assistance. I immediately 
charged the advancing column of the enemy and drove 
it back upon their infantry. They then rallied and 
charged me again. We met this charge, checked and 
returned it with success, driving them back towards 
Clinton. 

I now learned from my scouts that the enemy in 



59 

considerable force were pressing down the road towards 
Griswoldville. I started promptly with a portion of 
my command in that direction, and soon met a courier 
from Col. Crews with a note from him stating that the 
enemy's cavalry had moved towards the rail road, and 
that pursuant to Gen. Hardee's orders he was going 
in pursuit. This left the Milledgeville road open ; and, 
fearing some difficulty, I moved rapidly to that point. 
On arriving I found our artillery engaging the enemy's 
advance, and our infantry in the redoubts ready to re- 
ceive an attack. The enemy had already charged up 
the road, and four of them had attempted to capture a 
gun but had been driven back leaving an officer (whose 
horse was killed) in the hands of our infantry. Find- 
ing large unprotected intervals between redoubts, I 
placed Harrison's and Hagan's brigades in line, mak- 
ing the connection complete. After slight skirmishing 
the enemy retreated a short distance. Pursuant to 
orders from Genl. Hardee, I moved out during the 
night, and the next day drove the enemy from Gris- 
woldville, capturing a few prisoners. The next morn- 
ing I again attacked and drove the enemy for some 
distance, capturing sixty prisoners, besides killing and 
wounding a large number. 

It now being evident that the enemj' were not in- 
tending to make any further demonstration upon 
Macon, I moved on towards the Oconee, which river 
I reached on the 24th November, and completed cross- 
ing the next day by swimming. A brigade under Lt. 
Col. Gaines was immediately sent to hold in check a 
portion of the enemy who were menacing the river 



60 

near Ball's ferry, and with the remainder of my com- 
mand I moved during the night to station ]^o. 13, on 
the Central rail road. Scouts and pickets were sent upon 
all roads by which the enemy could reach the rail road, 
or march in an easterly direction. The following day, 
pursuant to G-enl. Hardee's orders, I moved to Sanders- 
ville. The 14th and 20th corps of the enemy had 
marched from Milledgeville, crossed Buffalo creek, 
and were marching upon the town, preceded by cavalry 
which had dispersed the local troops who had attempted 
to oppose them. I moved out on the lower road and 
sent a force out on the upper road. After moving 
three miles, we were charged by the enemy whom we 
met and checked, and. then in turn charged and drove 
them back for a mile, capturing, killing, and wound- 
ing about thirty of the enemy, besides capturing 
several horses, mules, and one loaded wagon. I im- 
mediately sent word to the citizens of Sandersville that 
the enemy would enter the town the next morning; 
and I advised them to send off all movable property 
of value. At dark we established our pickets close to 
the enemy, and next morning were slowly driven back 
towards, and finally through the town. 

At evening I was informed by my pickets near 
Ogeechee shoals that Genl. Kilpatrick, with a large 
force of cavalry, had crossed the river on his way to 
Augusta. Leaving Glenl. Iverson to observe the enemy, 
I started immediately with my command, overtaking 
him about midnight. I immediately attacked and cap- 
tured his picket, and pushed on to his camp and drove 
him back from the main Augusta road and out of his 



61 

camps, capturing one stand of colors, some prisoners, 
some fifty horses, clothing, blankets, camp equipage, 
etc., in considerable quantities. The enemy immedi- 
ately started towards Augusta on the lower Augusta 
road. On reaching the house where Genl. Kilpatrick 
had staid, I learned that he and his officers had been 
overheard talking a great deal in private about Augusta. 
It was the opinion of citizens that this move was in- 
tended as a raid upon that place. Being mindful of 
the great damage that could be done by the enemy's 
burning the valuable mills and property which were 
not protected by fortifications, including the factories 
in the vicinity, the large portion of the city outside of 
the fortifications, the arsenal and Sand Hills, I hoped 
by pressing him hard he might be turned from his 
purpose. I also learned that the night previous he had 
sent a party of some five hundred (500) men to Waynes- 
boro to destroy the rail road bridge, which convinced 
me that Augusta and not Waynesboro was Kilpatrick's 
destination, as had the latter place been the point he 
designed striking, he would not have sent a small party 
there on the preceding day. l!^otwithstanding the jaded 
condition of my command, I therefore pushed on 
rapidly, engaging and defeating his rearguards whom 
I found fortified at every favorable point, frequently 
separated by but two or three hundred yards. Horses, 
arms, and prisoners were captured in nearly every en- 
gagement. 

On reaching Brier creek swamp we pressed the 
enemy so warmly that he turned oft' towards Waynes- 
boro. During the chase the enemy set fire to all corn 



62 

cribs, cotton gins, and large numbers of barns and 
houses. "We succeded in driving him oiF in nearly- 
half the instances in time to extinguish the flames, and 
frequently pressed him so rapidly as to prevent his 
firing a number of houses, thus saving a large amount 
of property. 

I entered the town of Waynesboro' with my staff 
just after dark, and just as the enemy were leaving it. 
The town was in flames, but with the assistance of my 
staff" and escort we succeeded in staying the flames and 
in extinguishing the fire in all but one dwelling which 
was so far burned that it was impossible to save it. I 
immediately moved on and attacked the enemy who 
were engaged in tearing up the rail road. The attack 
had the effect to stop their work upon the rail road, 
and to keep them in line of battle all night. 

About 8 a. m., I sent Humes's division to gain the 
enemy's rear by turning his left flank, and sent a regi- 
ment to gain his rear by moving around his right. 
Unfortunately the commands failed to get into position. 
At daylight the enemy withdrew for a short distance, 
unobserved, in consequence of a dense fog. As we 
advanced upon them they charged our line, which 
charge we met and easily repulsed. I charged the 
enemy's flank with Humes and Anderson's commands, 
and attacked the front with the balance of my command, 
driving the enemy from his fortified position, capturing 
a number of prisoners, arms and horses, and killing a 
great many who refused to surrender, and who were 
shot in the pursuit which ensued. The rout was 
complete, and Genl. Kilpatrick was himself very nearly 



63 

captured. We continued the charge until reaching a 
swamp where the enemy had so coustructed barricades 
as to make a very strong resistance. The enemy was 
soon driven from this position by a flank. movement, 
after which I again charged and routed their entire 
force, capturing, killing and wounding nearly two 
hundred, and completely stampeding the whole force. 
His destruction was only prevented by an intervening 
swamp at Buckhead creek, which made it almost 
impossible to approach, and by the failure of the 4th 
Tenn, regiment to gain the enemy's rear, for which 
purpose it had been detached some two hours previous. 
The bridge over Buckhead creek had been carefully 
prepared for burning by Kilpatrick's advance guard, 
and, on our reaching it, the torch had been applied and 
the bridge was in flames, while a terrific fire from the 
enemy on the other side prevented me from immedi- 
ately extinguishing the flames. I dismounted the 
advance brigade and advanced it through the creek 
bottom to the bank, and finally drove the enemy suffi- 
ciently far from the opposite bank to enable a few brave 
men to work their way across and drive the enemy 
beyond range. By great energy and hard labor on the 
part of my men the fire was soon extinguished, and in 
little more than an hour the bridge was reconstructed 
and our troops passing over. The passage, however, 
was very slow on account of the rude and frail con- 
struction of the bridge. After advancing a mile, I dis- 
covered the enemy's position, and ordered Genl. Dibrell 
to turn their right flank by moving through a wood 
which screened the movement. As night Vas fast 



64 

approaching it became important to strike the enemy 
immediately, although only about twelve hundred 
(1200) of my command had crossed the creek. I moved 
upon the enemy and drove in his pickets. On discov- 
ering his line, I observed that Genl. Dibrell in attempt- 
ing to turn his flank (although he had moved nearly 
a mile to our left), had nevertheless encountered the 
enemy's line of battle which extended still bej^ond his 
position. Having parts of Harrison's and Ashby's bri- 
gades with me, the former being in advance, I placed 
the 3d Arkansas Regiment in line, and the 8th and 11th 
Texas Regiments in column, and charged the enemy's 
position. ITothing could have succeeded the gallantry 
with which these troops responded to the bugle's call, 
and hurled themselves upon the enemy, driving his 
cavalry in confusion, and finally encountering the 
breast works. This so terrified the enemy as to cause 
him to fly in uncontrollable confusion. Unfortunately 
the open ground did not continue, and we finally en- 
countered a line so positioned that it could not be 
approached by cavalry. I ordered Ashby's brigade to 
turn the enemy's left flank and take possession of the 
Louisville road upon which the enemy was retreating. 
Owing to approaching dusk Col. Ashby, by accident, 
got on a road to the left of the one indicated by my 
order, and notified me that he held possession of the 
Louisville road. This error enabled the enemy to move 
oft' by scattering through fields and wood without order 
or organization. 

During the night Kilpatrick sought the protection 
of his infantry which he did not venture to forsake 



65 

again during the campaign, no doubt, being too much 
demoralized to again meet our cavahy. 

Fearing the enemy might make another attempt to 
raid or march upon Augusta, I placed pickets at all 
the crossings of Brier creek, and located my main 
force at Rocky Spring church. 

On the morning of December 2d, the 14th Army 
Corps and Kilpatrick's cavalry marched upon Waynes- 
boro, by the Louisville road. I met and checked them 
at Rocky creek. After a warm engagement they moved 
oft' to my left, and crossed a short distance below on a 
temporarily constructed bridge, and, by moving through 
the fields, turned oft" towards Thomas's station. This 
necessitated my falling back. The following day I 
moved down and attacked the enemy, driving in their 
pickets and stopping their destruction of the rail road. 
Perceiving, after night fall, that they had recommenced 
their work, I again attacked them about midnight, 
shelling their camp with good effect. At daylight 
the enemy in strong force marched upon Waynes- 
boro. Most of my command had necessarily been sent 
some three miles after forage. We quickly concen- 
trated and hastily threw up barricades, while a single 
regiment held the entire column in check. This rough 
screen was hardly completed when a general charge 
was made upon our lines, which was repulsed with 
considerable logs to the enemy. A second, third and 
fourth charge were made by the enemy, each of which 
was repulsed, or met and driven back by counter 
charges. Finally their long lines of infantry advanced, 
and, after warm fighting, their cavalry having turned 
9 



66 

our flanks, we were compelled to fall back, which was 
done by taking successive positions till we reached the 
town of Waynesboro. Here we were so warmly pressed 
that it was with difficulty we succeeded in withdraw- 
ing from our position. The moment our lines left our 
works I directed the 8th Texas, Coin. Cook, and the 
9th Tennessee, Capt. Brumley, to charge the enemy, 
which was gallantly done, meeting and driving back 
a charge of the enemy and so staggering him that no 
further demonstration was made upon us until we 
were prepared to receive the enemy at our new posi- 
tion north of the town. During all the enemy's 
charges the loss of men and horses must have been 
severe. According to his own account, his loss in men 
numbered fifty (50) killed and one hundred and forty- 
seven (147) wounded. The enemy remained in town 
about three hours, and then moved down the Savannah 
road. During all the engagements the enemy's cavalry 
were at least double my own numbers, and were be- 
sides reenforced by one or more divisions of infantry. 

Having been notified by the Lieut. Genl. command- 
ing that the roads towards Savannah had been block- 
aded by his order, and having sent Lewis's brigade 
(reeinforced by the 4th Tennessee Regiment) to fall 
back before the enemy, I, with the remainder of my 
command, remained to protect Augusta and to strike 
his flanks and rear. 

On the first day I attacked his rear several times, 
driving him from his several positions, killing and 
wounding a great number, and capturing about one 
hundred (100) prisoners. During his movement to- 



67 

wards Savannah, so warmly was he pressed, that he 
blockaded the roads in his rear, frequently building 
fortifications two or three miles in length, and de- 
stroyed all bridges on his line of march. He occasion- 
ally attacked us by charging with his cavalry, which 
was invariably met by counter charges and driven back 
in confusion, with heavy loss. In every fight we cap- 
tured horses, arms and prisoners. 

On the night of Dec. 8th, we shelled the camp of the 
14th Corps with good effect, throwing the corps into 
confusion and causing it to leave camp at midnight, 
abandoning clothing, arms, etc. By breaking up the 
camp during the extreme darkness, a great many ne- 
groes were left in our hands whom we sent back to 
their owners. We also captured three wagons and 
teams, and caused the enemy to burn several more 
wagons. The whole number of negroes captured from 
the enemy during the movement was nearly two thou- 
sand. 

On the 8th we captured a dispatch — see appendix 
A — from Genl. Slocum to Genl. Davis, giving the 
proposed location of Sherman's army before Savannah; 
which afterwards proved to be correct. This paper 
was forwarded to Genl. Hardee. On reaching a point 
within ten miles of the city, and finding it impossible 
to do any further harm to the enemy in that position, 
I moved back and crossed the Savannah river, leaving 
Genl. Iverson's command to watch the enemy should 
he move in the direction of Augusta or "Western 
Georgia. 

On reaching the South Carolina side I moved down 



68 

and was placed by Lt. G-enl. Hardee in command of 
the defenses of 'New river and adjacent landings, and 
charged with the duty of holding the line of communi- 
cation from Huger's lauding to Hardeeville. This we 
succeeded in doing, although the enemy held the South 
Carolina side of the river with a division of infantry. 

After the evacuation of the city, Dec. 20th, I re- 
moved all the guns and ammunition from Tunbridge 
and Mongin's landings, and New river bridge, also the 
beavy guns, weighing 9000 pounds each, from Red 
Bluff, together with the ammunition. I omitted to 
state that during the entire movement of the enemy 
through Georgia I kept all my superiors fully informed 
of the strength and of all the movements of the enemy. 
At the same time I kept my cavalry in his front, rear, 
and on both flanks, preventing his cavalry from spread- 
ing over the country, retarding the enemy by fighting 
him on all sides, and felling trees in his advance. This 
duty was fully done, and I thank my officers and men 
for their devotion, gallantry, and the self-sacrificing 
spirit they have ever exhibited. Every engagement 
was a success, and the utter defeat and discomfiture of 
the enemy's cavalry was most signal and complete, 
notwithstanding his force of cavalry was always supe- 
rior to mine. 

My force never exceeded thirty-five hundred (3500) 
men, and was so distributed in front, rear and on both 
flanks that I seldom had more than two thousand (2000) 
under my immediate command, which two thousand 
frequently charged and routed more than double their 
numbers. The enemy had been falsely informed by 



69 

their officers that we took no prisoners, which caused 
him to fight with desperation and to run very danger- 
ous gauntlets to escape capture, which frequently ac- 
counts for the large proportion of killed. 

In every rout of their cavalry, and in the many fights 
which ensued, they continued to fly, refusing to sur- 
render notwithstanding the demands of my men in 
close pursuit. Consequently, no alternative was left 
but to shoot or sabre them to prevent escape. 

During the trip, I had parties to move a day or more 
in advance of the enemy, informing citizens where to 
run their negroes and stock in order to ensure the 
safety of their property, oifering them every assistance 
in so doing. But generally, the citizens were so fright- 
ened as to be perfectly helpless. On the enemy's ap- 
proach, pursuant to orders, I drove oflT such horses and 
mules as were exposed to the enemy's view, and have 
since taken every pains to restore said stock to its 
owners, generally with success. My command cap- 
tured about five hundred horses, many of which had 
been taken from citizens by the enemy, and have been 
returned to their owners when it was possible to do so. 

I desire to tender my thanks for the devoted gal- 
lantry of my division and brigade commanders. Those 
whose conduct came especially under my notice, were 
Generals Allen, Humes, Anderson, and Dibrell, and 
Colonels Ashby, Hagan, Crews, and Lt. Col. Anderson. 
. Genl. Allen was slightly wounded and had two horses 
shot under him at Waynesboro. Genls. Humes and 
Dibrell also had their horses shot whilst gallantly en- 
gaging the enemy. I also tender my thanks to Genl. 



70 

Robertson who, while acting as my chief of staff in the 
temporary absence of his command, was severely 
wounded while gallantly charging the enemy. Cap- 
tain S. "W. Steele and Lieut. M. Gr. Hudson, A. D. C. 
of my staff, were highly distinguished for gallantry 
and zeal. Lieuts. R, B. Ryan, J. M. Stewart, and 
Henry Chapman, acting upon my staff, were gallant 
and efficient. 

In closing this report I will state that during the 
last five months my command has been without wagons 
or cooking utensils, with orders to subsist upon the 
country. Its food has been limited to bread baked 
upon boards and stones, and meat broiled upon sticks. 
It has not been paid in twelve months, and has not 
had the regular issues of clothing which have been 
made to the infantry. During this time it has ave- 
raged in direct marchicg sixteen (16) miles a day; and, 
being without wagons, has been obliged to pack all 
the forage and rations to camp on horseback, which, 
together with scouting and other duties, would make 
the average traveling of each soldier at least twenty 
(20) miles each day. During these five months my 
troops have been continuously in the immediate pre- 
sence of the enemy, fighting nearly every day, and 
with brilliant success, except in a few instances when 
small detachments sent off from my command met 
vastly superior forces. During these five months my 
command has captured, killed and wounded more than 
its own effective strength. It has captured from tbe 
enemy in action and carried off the field four (4) pieces 
of artillery, with caissons and battery wagons — twelve 



71 

hundred mules, over two hundred wagons, two thou- 
sand head of beef cattle, three thousand cavalry horses 
with equipments, and over four thousand standof arms. 
It has also captured a great number of the enemy's 
posts, with large amounts of stores, and has destroyed 
more rail road used by the enemy — stopping his 
communications for a longer time and with less loss — 
than any other cavalry command, although expeditions 
double its strength have been sent out on that duty. 
It has also captured and destroyed over a dozen trains 
of cars, generally loaded with supplies. As we were 
continually fighting the enemy, our camps could not 
be designated before night-fall. Details had then to 
be sent out to procure forage and rations, frequently 
making it midnight before supper could be prepared 
for my men, and then they were often compelled to be 
in the saddle before daylight. 'No men in the Confede- 
rate states have marched more, fought more, suffered 
more, or had so little opportunities for discipline ; yet 
they are to-day as orderly and as well disciplined as 
any cavalry in the Confederate service. 

On our line of march of&cers and men were met 
who, in their anxiety to increase their commands, used 
every exertion to induce my men to desert, frequently 
offering them promotion and furloughs as a reward for 
dishonor. Notwithstanding this, my command is to- 
day stronger and more efficient than it was at the be- 
ginning of a continuous campaign of eight months' hard, 
constant, and successful fighting. 

I must particularly commend my Tennessee and 
Kentucky troops, whom, though they saw their homes 



72 

thrown open by the advance of General Hood's army, 
I brought from the Coosa river to Savannah without 
a single desertion. Afterwards I had the mortification 
to see a body desert who had been informed they were 
to be punished without trial for crimes they had never 
committed. 

Eespy. Col., 

Your Obt. Servt. 
J. Wheeler, 

Maj. Genl. 

APPENDIX A. 

Army of Georgia, Head Qrs., Left "Wing, 

Springfield, Dec. 8, 1864, 7 a. m. 
Genl.,' 

Genl. Sherman has information that the line of de- 
fense around Savannah is about four miles from the 
city. He desires to take the road extending from Che- 
rokee hill through Silk Hope to Litchfield, as our first 
position. Your corps should be at or near Cherokee 
hill. The 20th will be to the left of Pooler, 17th on 
right of 20th, and 15th near Litchfield. The 20th 
Corps will be at Monteith to night. 

Yours very respectfully, 

H. W. Slocum, M. G. 

OflBcial Copy. 
H. C. 

This dispatch was directed on the envelop to 
Genl. Jeflf. C. Davis. 



73 



CHAPTER Y. 

The Siege of Savannah — Concentration of Confederate Forces 
for the Defense of the City — Investment by the United States 
Forces — Federal attempts to Communicate with the Fleet — 
Confederate Line at Monteith — Obstruction of Roads leading 
into Savannah — Western Line for the Protection of the City, 
its Location, Principal Batteries, and Armament — Fnu- 
meration of Light Artillery Companies Concentrated, for its 
Support — Inundation of the Low Grounds in front of this 
Western Line — the Western Line, how Subdivided, Corn- 
manded, and Garrisoned — Supply of Ordnance, Quarter- 
Master, and Commissary Stores — Statement of Rations 
Issued. 

Although every effort had been made to con- 
centrate a large force for the defense of Savannah, 
such was the pressure upon the Confederacy and 
so great the paucity of troops, that at the inception 
and during the progress of the siege there were 
not more than ten thousand men fit for duty with- 
in the Confederate lines around that city. Nearly 
one half of these consisted of reserves and militia, 
and considerable details were employed in garri- 
soning the forts and fixed batteries in the Savannah 
river and along the line of the water approaches. 
No lack of patriotism existed on the part of the 
citizens, who responded freely to the following 
spirited address of their honored mayor. 
10 



74 



Mayor's Office, 
Savannah, November 28th, 1864. 
Fellow Citizens, 

The time has come when every male who can 
shoulder a musket can make himself useful in defend- 
ing our hearths and homes. Our city is well fortified, 
and the old can fight in the trenches as well as the 
young; and a determined and brave force can, behind 
entrenchments, successfully repel the assaults of treble 
their number. 

The general commanding this division has issued a 
call for all men of eveiy age, not absolutely incapa- 
citated from disease, to report at once to Captn. C. W. 
Howard, at the Oglethorpe barracks, for the purpose of 
organizing into companies for home defense. I call 
upon every man not already enrolled in a local corps 
to come forward at once and report to Captain Howard. 
Organization is everything. Let us emulate the noble 
examples of our sister cities of Macon and Augusta 
where the whole male population is in arms. By 
manning the fortifications we will leave free the younger 
men to act in the field. By prompt action a large 
local force can be organized from our citizens above 
the military age, and from those who have been ex- 
empted from field service. 

ISTo time is to be lost. The man who will not com- 
prehend and respond to the emergency of the times, is 
forsworn to his duty and to his country. 

R. D. Arnold, Mayor. 



75 

By the evening of the 9 th of December, all the 
Confederate forces which could be concentrated 
were in position along the newly constructed 
western lines extendiag from the Savannah river 
on the right, at Williamson's plantation, to the 
Atlantic and Gulf railway bridge across the Little 
Ogeechee, on the left. Care had been taken to 
remove all serviceable rolling stock belonging to 
the Central rail road and banking company, the 
Atlantic and Gulf rail road company, and the 
Charleston and Savannah rail road company. 

On the 10th of December, 1864, Sherman's army 
closed in upon the Confederate works covering the 
land approaches to the city of Savannah. With 
this date the history of the siege properly com- 
mences. 

In coming into position in front of Savannah 
the Federal corps were distributed as follows : 
General Williams's 20th Corps held the left of the 
Union line resting upon the Savannah river near 
Williamson's plantation, in advance of Pipe-makers 
creek, its right extending across the Charleston 
and Savannah rail road to the Central rail road 
where it joined the left of Genl. Jeff C. Davis's 14th 
Army Corps. 

This 14th Army Corps, constituting the right of 
the left wing, extended from the Central rail road 
on the left to the 17th Army Corps, whose left 



76 

rested beyond the Savannah and Ogeechee canal, 
near Lawton's plantation. 

Shortly after this development of the left wing, 
the right, under Major General Howard, came into 
the following position. The 1 7th Corps, commanded 
by General Frank P. Blair jr., lay next beyond 
and to the right of the 14th Army Corps, while 
General Osterhaus's 15th Corps, with its right rest- 
ing on the Atlantic and Gulf rail road near station 
number one, formed the extreme right of the 
Federal investment. 

After crossing Ebenezer creek on the 8th of 
December, Kilpatrick concentrated his cavalry on 
the Monteith road, ten miles south of Springfield ; 
and, until the loth, moved in rear of the 17th 
Army Corps, with detachments covering the rear 
of the other army corps. 

King's bridge having been burnt by the Confede- 
rates, Kilpatrick crossed the Great Ogeechee on a 
pontoon bridge, on the afternoon of the 13th, and 
moved in heavy force through the counties of Bryan 
and Liberty, seeking to communicate with the 
Federal fleet by way of Kilkenny bluff and Sun- 
bury. Returning on the 16th, he went into camp 
in the vicinity of King's bridge, picketing and 
plundering the country south of the Ogeechee. 

The attempt of Coin. Atkins, with two thousand 
cavalry supported by a division of infantry under 



77 

General Mower, to destroy the railway bridge over 
the Alatamaha river, failed. 

Upon the first appearance of the enemy the Con- 
federate cavalry, stationed at detached points along 
the coast south of the Great Ogeechee, hastily re- 
treated beyond the Alatamaha, leaving the region 
lately occupied by them an open prey to the daily 
incursions of small bodies of Federal cavalry who 
wantonly insulted and robbed defenseless women, 
children, and old men, and perpetrated repeated 
acts of violence, lawlessness, and horrid depravity. 
During the entire march from Atlanta, the conduct 
of Kilpatrick's cavalry was characterized by con- 
stant acts of brutality, theft, and insult. 

The Federal artillery was distributed at con- 
venient intervals and at suitable locations all along 
the line, but was chiefly massed opposite the Con- 
federate redoubts on our right, in front of Daly's 
farm, the battery on Lawton's plantation, and the 
work at Salt creek bridge. The work last men- 
tioned, known as Battery Jones, was subjected 
to an incessant and severe fire during the con- 
tinuance of the siege. 

The advanced line, selected by the engineers 
for the defense of Savannah, included the protec- 
tion of the Charleston and Savannah rail road and 
its bridge across the Savannah river. Extending 
thence along, and having Monteith swamp in its 



78 

front, its left rested upon the Great Ogeechee river. 
Detached field works had been hastily prepared at 
important points, and some light artillery and in- 
fantry put in position. The principal roads lead- 
ing to Savannah and the main avenues of approach 
had been blocked up by felling timber across 
them, and it was hoped that these obstructions 
would induce the Federal general to turn aside and 
seek some objective on the coast other than 
Savannah. 

The paucity of the Confederate forces, the over- 
whelming strength of the enemy, the length and 
insecurity of the line, later and more careful sur- 
veys proving localities to be practicable which 
were deemed impassable, the Federal ability by 
means of well appointed pioneer corps in a short 
time to remove all hindrances to an advance, and 
the facility with which detached earth works, con- 
stituting the principal defenses, could be flanked, 
induced the evacuation of this line shortly after a 
serious demonstration was made against it by the 
enemy. 

The second line, and that persistently held by 
the Confederates during the siege, commenced 
at Williamson's plantation on the Savannah river, 
having the rice field in its front; thence, ex- 
tending along the high ground, and still keep- 
ing the swamp in front, it crossed the Central 



79 

rail road, followed the crest of Daly's farm, passed 
through Lawton's plantation, confronted the rice 
fields of Silk Hope plantation, and, following the 
left shore of Salt creek marshes and the Little 
Ogeechee, rested upon the Atlantic and Gulf rail 
way bridge across the Little Ogeechee river. This 
line was well located, and was rendered formidable 
by the succession of low lands and impracticable 
swamps in its front. In order to increase these 
physical obstructions and add to the impractica- 
bility of these low lands, the river dam at 
Williamson's plantation was cut so as to allow 
the water at high tide to flow freely into and 
submerge the rice fields. This supply, when 
fully obtained, was there held. The Savannah 
and Ogeechee canal in advance of the line being 
higher than the swamp through which it passed, 
was cut. Its lock, about eight miles from the city, 
was opened, and thus the water from Gould's 
swamp was drawn down and made to contribute 
to the overflow. The Augusta, the Louisville, the 
Central rail road, and all other causeways inter- 
rupting the ready flow of the water, were cut. 
From the left bank of the canal at Shaw's to Silk- 
Hope plantation is a continuous line of swamp 
draining into Salt creek at Silk Hope. Be- 
tween the Confederate line and Shaw's settlement 
the canal was cut in one or two places, and the 



80 

swamps were filled from it and from the reserves 
on Shaw's and Lawton's plantations. The rice 
fields on Silk Hope plantation were flooded from 
the Silk Hope back water, and Salt creek was 
dammed up at the bridge on the old Savannah 
and Darien road, to keep in the water in case the 
enemy should cut the banks. Shaw's back-water 
dam was also cut, and every means resorted to 
which could contribute to swell the inundation. 
Thus the entire front of the Confederate line, from 
the Savannah river to Salt creek bridge, was sub- 
merged to a depth varying from three to six feet. 
Below Salt creek bridge, Salt creek and the 
marshes of the Little Ogeechee afforded sub- 
stantial protection. So much for the natural ad- 
vantages of the line. 

The artificial defenses consisted of detached 
works, located at prominent points, commanding 
the established avenues of approach to the city, 
crowning causeways and private crossings over 
these low-lands, and ofiering resistance wherever 
the swamps were practicable. The principal bat- 
teries were situated as follows : 

In front of the extreme right of the Confederate 
line, and across the flooded rice field on William- 
son's plantation, was an advanced work, the left 
of which rested upon Williamson's canal just beyond 
the grave-yard, which was converted into a redan, 



81 

and the right upon the Savannah river this side 
of the negro quarters. This was the most elabo- 
rate fortification on the line. Its armament con- 
sisted of ten guns, mostly of light calibre, and it 
was garrisoned by two hundred infantry of the 
Georgia militia, Pruden's artillery company, and 
the Georgia cadets, Major Capers, all under the 
command of Colonel Hill of the Georgia State forces. 
This work was open in its rear toward the Sa- 
vannah river upon which it rested. The lunette, 
which constituted its prominent feature, was ap- 
proached by a covered way, and in it was located 
an ample bomb-proof made by cutting a deep ditch 
from the salient to the bastion line. This ditch 
was crossed at right angles by another of similar 
dimensions, commencing and terminating at the 
flank angles respectively. These ditches were 
then roofed with timber and covered with the 
earth removed in making the excavations. Thus 
was constructed not only a commodious bomb proof, 
but also an excellent magazine. Semi-lunar in 
outline, the enclosed lunette constituted its center, 
with a redan on the left and a semicircular work 
on the right. The infantry line and curtains con- 
necting these were substantial in character and 
showed a double front. The interior front com- 
manded the terre-plein in case the enemy should 
attack from Hutchinson's island. Sand bags were 
11 



82 

used instead of head logs, and they were so ar- 
ranged as to permit the garrison, while firing, to 
be entirely under cover. The exterior front was 
protected by a double frieze of stakes and fence-rails 
planted firmly in the ground and interlaced with 
iron wire. Such was Fort Hardeman, planned by 
and constructed under the supervision of Lieut. 
Coin. B. W. Frobel of the engineers. The labor 
was performed by the Georgia militia and a detail 
of negroes. On the 9th and 10th of December the 
enemy attempted to carry this work, but the as- 
saults were feeble and easily repulsed. 

The right of the Confederate line developed into a 
well traversed field work, mounting three 3 2-pounder 
guns, resting upon the Savannah river and designed 
to cover Williamson's river dam and its approaches. 
The preservation of this dam was essential to the 
retention of the water by means of which the over- 
flow, to which we have alluded, was in a consi- 
derable degree accomplished. Between this battery 
and the Augusta road several pieces of artillery 
were posted in lunettes. 

At the crossing of the Augusta road a substantial 
earth work was constructed, mounting three heavy 
guns, with field pieces on the flanks. 

Battery McBeth, located at the intersection of 
the Louisville turnpike and the Central rail road 
with the Confederate line, was armed with three 



83 

32-pounder guns on barbette carriages, and two 24- 
pounder Blakely rifle guns on siege carriages. 

In supporting distance, and about halfway be- 
tween the Louisville road and the Savannah and 
Ogeechee canal, were posted a 12-pounder Napoleon 
gun and a 6-pounder bronze field piece. Along 
the right bank of the canal, and in support of the 
line running through the woods between the canal 
and the high-ground on Daly's farm, were distri- 
buted a i2-pounder field piece, a 12-pounder how- 
itzer, and five 6-pounder guns. The line in front 
of Daly's farm was armed with one 8-inch siege 
howitzer, a 20-pounder Parrott gun, two 12-pounder 
Napoleon guns, one 12-pounder howitzer, and one 
3-inch rifle gun. 

Following the line in the direction of the left, a 
12-pounder Napoleon gun was put in position at 
the head of Shaw's dam. Three 12-pounder how- 
itzers at Battery Acee commanded Shaw's rice 
field, and one 12-pounder howitzer and two 6- 
pounder guns were stationed on the Habersham 
old road. Between Battery Acee and the Haber- 
sham road was a 12-pounder gun. 

In rear of Lawton's barn, and at the head of the 
causeway crossing his rice fields, stood Battery 
Barnes with two 32-pounder guns, two 12-pounder 
Napoleons, and one 12-pounder howitzer. Six 
hundred yards to the right of this battery was a 



84 

6-pounder gun commanding another causeway, 
and some five hundred yards beyond and in the 
direction of the Habersham road, was posted a 6- 
pounder gun covering the approach by still another 
crossing. 

At Pine-Point battery, opposite the rice fields 
of the Hon. George S. Owens's Silk Hope plantation, 
six field guns were embrasured ; and Battery Jones, 
on the old Savannah and Darien road where it 
crosses Salt creek, was armed with two 32-pounder 
garrison guns, one 32-pounder carronade, one 20- 
pounder Parrott, and four 12-pounder Napoleons. 

On Barclay's plantation, at the extreme left of 
the line, several field guns were posted for the pro- 
tection of the Atlantic and Gulf rail road bridge 
over the Little Ogeechee river. 

In addition to the guns enumerated, field pieces 
were distributed at other advantageous points along 
the line, and ramps were constructed at irregular 
intervals for the guns of the light batteries which 
were acting as a movable support. 

The following light batteries had been concen- 
trated for the defense of Savannah. 

1. Terrell Artillery, 4 12-pdr Napoleon guns. 

2. Regular Light Battery, 2 " " " " 

[One section absent with the cavalry I 
under General Wheeler.] ) 

3. Anderson's Light Battery, 4 " " " " 

4. Barnwell's " " 4 " " " « 



85 



5. German Light Battery, 2 12-pdrKapoleoii guns. 



[One section absent with the cavalry I 
south of the Alatamaha.] f 



6. Abell's Light Battery, 



r 2 " " 

\2 " " 



7. Pruden's 

8. Daniell's 

9. Guerard's 



10. Hanleiter's " 



11. Mayor Hamilton's bat- \ ^ 
talion of light artillery, J o 



howitzers. 
4 6 " guns. 
4 12 " Napoleon guns. 

12 " 
(2 " 

t 2 6 "guns. 
212 " howitzers. 
" Parrotts. 



" howitzers 

a u 



10 



Total 



8 3 and 3J-inch rifles. 
48 guns. 



Wherever the ground was practicable, these bat- 
teries and field works were connected by a con- 
tinuous line of infantry breastworks which the 
troops in position industriously strengthened from 
day to day as opportunity was afforded. Most of 
the guns in position on this western line had been, 
for this purpose, withdrawn from the eastern lines 
constructed by Brigadier General Mercer during 
the years 1862 and 1863. 

This western line for the protection of Savannah 
against the advance of Sherman was subdivided 
and commanded as follows. The right, extending 
from the Savannah river at Williamson's plantation 
to within about one hundred feet of the Central 



\ 



86 

rail road crossing, garrisoned by the Georgia militia 
and the State line troops, was under the command 
of. Major General Gustavus W. Smith. Twenty 
guns were in position on his front. 

The command of Major General Lafayette Mc- 
Laws embraced the batteries at the Central rail 
road and Louisville road crossings, and extended 
from that point to the head of Shaw's dam. On 
his front twenty -nine pieces of artillery were posted. 

Major General A. R. Wright commanded the 
left, extending from Shaw's dam all the way round 
to the Atlantic and Gulf railway bridge over the 
Little Ogeechee river. Thirty-two pieces of artil- 
lery were in position on his front. 

Lieutenant General William J. Hardee was in 
general command, with his head-quarters in the 
city of Savannah. For holding this long line less 
than ten thousand infantry, dismounted cavalry, 
and artillerists were assembled ; and, for the space 
of ten days, this little more than a thin skirmish 
line confronted, at close quarters, Sherman's in- 
vesting army over sixty thousand strong. 

The light artillery companies were distributed 
as the necessities of the line demanded, and were 
either actively engaged in handling the guns in 
position, or were posted at such convenient dis- 
tances in the rear that they could move immedi- 
ately to any designated point in their respective 



fronts. Only two of them were held in reserve 
park. 

Four guns, namely, two 18-pounder garrison 
guns, one 8-inch siege howitzer, and a 42-pounder 
carronade, were placed in battery near the Central 
rail road depot. 

Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Jones jr., was 
chief of artillery. 

On Major General Smith's front, Captain E. W. 
Anderson acted as chief of artillery for that di- 
vision. Captain J. A. Maxwell was detailed as 
chief of artillery on Major General McLaws' front, 
and Captain John W. Brooks acted in a similar 
capacity in Major General Wright's division. 

By assignment of the general commanding, 
Major Black of his staff was designated as in- 
spector on Major General Smith's front ; Colonel 
George A. Gordon, volunteer aid, inspector on 
Major General McLaws' front ; and Lieut. Colonel 
S. B. Paul, of the lieutenant general's staff, in- 
spector on Major General Wright's front. 

In anticipation of the siege, every effort had been 
made by the chief of artillery, and the ordnance 
officer on duty in Savannah, to accumulate a supply 
of ordnance stores. Col. Rains, commanding the 
Augusta arsenal, and the ordnance officer at 
Charleston extended what aid they could, and the 
consequence was that, apart from the ammunition 



88 

in the artillery chests and in the temporary maga- 
zines along the line, there remained a fair amount 
in reserve. During the progress of the siege there 
was no lack of ammunition ; the troops and bat- 
teries being at all times promptly and sufficiently 
served. It may be fairly stated, however, that as 
a precautionary measure, the expenditure of ammu- 
nition both by the artillery and infantry was made 
the subject of a special order from head quarters, 
enjoining economy and caution. 

That no scarcity of provisions was encountered 
during the siege is evidenced by the fact that, after 
sending from the supplies in Savannah to Hardee- 
ville. South Carolina, one week's full rations for all 
the troops engaged in the defense of Savannah, there 
remained on the morning of the 20th of December 
unissued and on hand in the commissary department, 
30 bags of corn, 800 tierces and 400 bags of 
beat rice, 2000 pounds of bacon, 70 barrels of 
lard, 150 barrels of molasses, 700 bags of oats, 900 
bags of ground peas, 1300 bags of wheat, 125 bags 
of grist, 10 boxes of soap, 560 bags of cow peas, 17 
bales of hay, 225 bags of wheat flour, 400 tierces 
of salt, 36 barrels of whiskey, 1200 casks of un- 
beaten rice at Habersham's mill, and a considera- 
ble supply of coffee and sugar. In obedience to the 
orders of Lieut. Genl. Hardee, sixteen thousand 
pounds of coffee were, by Major George Robertson 



89 

jr., chief commissary in Savannah, shipped on the 
5th of December, to Major H. C. Guerin chief com- 
missary at Charleston, South Carohna. 

As an irnportant item showing what may be 
accepted as an average issue of rations during the 
siege, after the isolation and capture of Fort Mc- 
Allister, and recording with considerable accuracy 
the commands then present in Savannah and its 
vicinity, we present the following statement pre- 
pared by the chief commissary of subsistence. 



Military District of Georgia, 

Office Issuing Commissary, 
Savannah, Deer. 16th, 1864. 

STATEMENT OF RATIONS ISSUED AT THIS OFFICE. 



Name of Company. 



Abell's Light Battery, 

Wagener's " " 

Cumming's Brigade, 

Baker's N. C. " 

Lewis's " 

1st Georgia Regulars, 

Cos. D. F. *& G., 3rd S. C. Cavalry, 

4th Tennessee Regt., 

Barnwell's Light Battery, 

Independent Scouts, 

Rose Dew Post, 

Co. D, 22 Geo. Battn. Arty., 

Daniell's Light Battery, 

Maj. Hartridge's Command, 

Jo. Thompson Artillery, 

Terrell Artillery, 

So. Ca. Militia at Red Bluff, 

Detachmt. 27th Battn., 

LaFayette Lt. Arty., Red Bluff, 

Savannah River Batteries, 

12 



Commanding Officer. 



Captn. Abell, 
Lieut. Monsees, 
Coin. Gumming, 
Brig. Genl. Baker, L.S., 

" " Lewis, 
Coin. R. A. Wayne, 

" T. H. Johnson, 
Maj. Bledsoe. 
Capt. A. S. Barnwell, 

" Talbot, 

" Manning, 

" Charles Daniell, 
Maj. Alfred L. Hartridge, 
Captn. Hanleiter, 

" Jno. W. Brooks, 

" Evans & McKnight. 

" Johnson, 

" McGregor, 
Maj. Bertody, 



na- 
tions. 



56 
54 

750 

2,179 

250 

228 

150 

175 

76 

57 

350 

70 

129 

350 

106 

102 

75 

21 

30 

59 



90 



Name of Company. 


Commanding Officer. 


Ra- 
tions. 


Garrison, Fort Bartow, 


Lt. Coin. Pritchard, 


79 


Co. D, 2iid Regt., Eng. Troops, 


Captn. James McAlpin, 


72 


Guerard s Light Battery, 


" Jno. M. Guerard, 


125 


Red Bluff Garrison, 


" McGregor, 


112 


Oglethorpe Barracks, 


Maj. Jno. Cunningham, 


309 


Recruits, Howard's Battn., 


Captn. Howard, 


15 


Detachment, " " 


H. J. Strobhart, 


152 


Troops at Thunderbolt, 


Lt. Coin. McLaws, 


201 


Co. C, 22ud Battn. Geo. Arty., 


Captn. Bealls, 


61 


Genl. Hardee's Escort, 


Lt. Gen. Wm. J. Hardee, 


14 


7th Regt., Geo. Cavalry, 


Coin. Anderson, 


220 


Detached Troops, Screven's Ferry, 


Captn. Quirk, 


91 


Co. H, Local Battalion, 


" Flanders, 


41 


Brigade Local Troops, 


Coin. Browne, 


1,139 


Co. E, 2 Reg. Eng. Troops, 


Lieut. Couper, 


70 


Howard's Battalion, 


Captn. Howard, 


300 


Transferred from Hospital, 


to Charleston, S. C, 


36 


Brigade Reserves, 


Coin. Von Zinken, 


1,154 


Savh. Local Battn., 


Maj. Shellman, 


90 


Detached Men, 


Capt. Paine, A. Q. M., 


35 


Finegan Rifles, 


" McKone, 


46 


Savh. Relief Committee, 


H. Brigham, chairman, 


50 


Regular Lt. Battery, 


Lt. Richardson, 


45 


Artillery Battalion, 


Maj. Hamilton, 


270 


Delachmt. Anderson's Brigade, 


Coin. Prather, 


275 


Ferguson's " 


Genl. Ferguson, 


568 


27th Geo. Battalion, 


Lt. Cotter, 


246 


Other Issues, 




208 




11,291 


Genl. G. W. Smith's Command, 






Hd. Qrs., Q. M. & C. S. Deptms. 


Hospital, &c.. 


218 


1st Brigade, Geo. Mihtia, 


Brig. Genl. Carswell, 


906 


2d 


Coin. D. B. Thompson, 


492 


3d 


Genl. C. D. Anderson, 


868 


" Geo. State Line, 


Coin. J. D. Wilson, 


469 


Anderson's Battery, 


Lt. R. H Brown, 


128 


Artillery Company, 


Captn. J. H. Tiller, 


111 


Detachment, 


" Austin 


57 
3,249 



91 

Rations 
Officers, 129 

Detachments, Couriers and Baggage Guards, , 130 

Detailed, 71 

Hospitals and Attendants, 821 

Steamers Beauregard and Govr. Troup, 31 

Civilians and Paroled Prisoners Engineer Deptmt., 100 

1,283 
KECAPITULATION. 

Issues to Confederate Troops , 1,1291 

" " Militia, 3,249 



(( (( 



" Hospitals, 

Negroes, 923 

Total, 16,745 

Lt. Coin. T. B. Roy, A. A. G. 

Coin. I respectfully present the above statement for the information 
ofLt. Genl. Hardee. * * * 

Very Respectfully, 

Geo. Robertson, Jr., Maj. & C. S. 

While this statement shows an aggregate issue 
of 16,745 rations, a proper analysis will advise us 
that after deducting the troops stationed in the 
Third district of Carolina, the artillerists engaged 
in garrisoning the forts along the line of the Sa- 
vannah river and upon the water approaches to the 
city, the sick in hospitals, the provost guards, men 
on detached services of various sorts, the naval 
forces, and the negro laborers, there scarcely re- 
mained ten thousand troops for active duty on the 
western line. 



92 



CHAPTER VI. 

Confederate Forces in the 3c? Military District of South Carolina, 
under 3Iaj. Genl. Sam Jones, guarding the Line of the 
Charleston and Savannah Rail Road — Federal Advance 
from Gregory's Point, and its Repulse near the Tidlifinney 
Trestle — Original Confederate Line Conceived for the Pro- 
tection of the Sea Coast of Georgia — Advanced Line Con- 
trolling the Water Approaches to Savannah — Line of Defense 
for the Immediate Protection of the Eastern and Southern 
Exposures of the City — Location and Armament of the Sa- 
vannah River Batteries, and of the Forts and Earth-ioorks 
Erected to guard the Water Approaches to the City — Relative 
Bearings and Distances of these Fortifications from Oglethorpe 
Barracks — Genl. Beauregard's Instructions for the Defense 
of Savannah. 

Although severely repulsed at Honey Hill on 
the 30th of November, the Federals within a short 
time set on foot new expeditions with a view to 
obtaining possession of the Charleston and Sa- 
vannah rail road. As the protection of this im- 
portant line of communication was essential to the 
safety of the garrison at Savannah, General Hardee 
ordered Major General Samuel Jones, commanding 
at Charleston, to establish his head quarters at or 
near Pocotaligo and carefully watch the move- 
ments of the enemy. These instructions were 
given on the 4th of December. The troops in that 
vicinity, under General Jones's command, consisted 



93 

of the 5th and 47th Georgia Kegiments, a battalion 
of the 32d Georgia Eegiment, a portion of the 3d 
Eeginient South Carolina cavalry, Kirk's squadron 
of cavalry, some South Carolina reserves and 
militia, some Georgia reserves, and several batteries 
of light artillery. These forces were distributed 
at various points extending from Pocotaligo to the 
Savannah river, and along the left bank of that 
river to Sisters ferry, and above. Those concen- 
trated at and near Grahamville were under the 
immediate command of Brigadier General Chesnut, 
and those stationed at and near Coosawhatchie 
were commanded by Brigadier General Gartrell. 
The reserves were poorly organized and imperfectly 
drilled. The militia was to a great extent undis- 
ciplined, and lacked arms. 

On the morning of the 6th of December the 
enemy effected a landing at Gregory's Point on the 
Tullifinny river. A battalion of the 5th Georgia 
Regiment, sent forward by General Gartrell to 
contest the advance of the enemy, encountered the 
Federals on the Gregory's point road about a mile 
from its junction with the State road, and at first 
drove them back a short distance. Soon perceiv- 
ing however, that the opposing force " was scarcely 
a twentieth part of their own numbers," the Fede- 
rals pressed forward and nearly enveloped the 5th 
Georgia, forcing it back. The Georgia reserves 



94 

and a section of light artillery, ordered by General 
Gartrell to support the 5th Georgia, fell back in 
confusion after having partially destroyed the bridge 
within range of the Confederate works at Coosaw- 
hatchie. Having obtained a foothold at the junc- 
tion of the Gregory's Point road and the State 
road, the Federals immediately commenced in- 
trenching. 

During the night of the 6th, Major General Jones 
concentrated on the Charleston and Savannah rail 
road, near the Tullifinny trestle, the 47th Georgia 
Kegiment, a battalion of the 3 2d Georgia, a com- 
pany of the 1st South Carolina Artillery, Major 
White's battalion of cadets, a battalion of North 
Carolina Keserves which had just arrived, and 
Bachman's battery of light artillery, and ordered 
Colonel Edwards, the senior colonel, to attack the 
enemy with this force at daylight in the morning. 
Brigadier General Gartrell was directed to make a 
spirited demonstration from Coosawhatchie so soon 
as he should hear Colonel Edwards's guns : and, if 
Colonel Edwards's movement proved successful, to 
press forward with the attack. Both attacks failed 
of their object; and General Jones, believing that 
he had not a sufficient number of reliable troops to 
justify him in renewing the assault, endeavored by 
defensive works to hold the rail road. Meanwhile, 
the enemy was busily occupied in strengthening 



95 

their position. On the night of the 8th, Brigadier 
General B. H. Robertson was assigned to the im- 
mediate command of the troops between Pocotaiigo 
and Coosawhatchie. On the morning of the 9th, 
the Federals, in endeavoring to gain possession of 
the rail road, vigorously assailed the Confederate 
left near Tullifinny, and were handsomely repulsed. 
Later in the day, having massed their forces 
on their left, they attacked the Confederate line 
near Coosawhatchie, and were again repulsed. 
Failing in these attacks they never renewed them, 
but contented themselves with strengthening their 
position within less than a mile of the Charleston 
and Savannah rail road, where they established se- 
veral batteries with which they endeavored, but 
unsuccessfully, to prevent the Confederates from 
using the road. Although these batteries were lo- 
cated within easy range of the road, and although 
the enemy used their artillery freely, the Confede- 
rate forces held the road continuously, and the pas- 
sage of trains was never interrupted for an entire 
day until the road was abandoned after the evacua- 
tion of Savannah, and the withdrawal of troops 
and materials had been fully accomplished. Only 
one locomotive and a box-car were damaged, and 
two rails broken by the enemy's continued fire. 

While these operations were in progress near 
Coosawhatchie, Brigadier General Chesnut held 



96 

the rail road from Bee's creek to Hardeeville, and 
Colonel Colcock guarded the Savannah river to 
Hudson's ferry, until the arrival of Major General 
Wheeler and Brigadier General Young with their 
respective commands. 

We make no apology for referring to these move- 
ments and alluding to these dispositions of troops, 
because they had an important bearing upon and 
constituted no mean part of the plan of the de- 
fense of Savannah. 

Prior to the inception of Sherman's march 
through Georgia, the attention of the military com- 
manders at Savannah had been mainly directed 
to the construction of fortifications for the protec- 
tion of the city against water attacks and expe- 
ditions advancing directly from the coast. The 
likelihood of any demonstration from the rear had, 
up to this time, been deemed so remote, and the 
probability of an attack from the coast so immi- 
nent on more than one occasion, that most of the 
available labor had been expended in the erection 
and arming of batteries to control the water ap- 
proaches to the city, and in the construction of 
substantial earth works covering the eastern and 
southern exposures of Savannah. A brief allusion 
to these lines of defense will not, we trust, be 
deemed irrelevant. 

The original line conceived for the protection 



97 

of the sea-coast of Georgia contemplated the erec- 
tion of earth-viorks, to be armed with 3:^-pounder 
guns, at every ship-channel entrance from Tybee 
island to Fernandina. Thus, on the north point 
of Great Tybee island was a small sand battery as 
an outpost to Fort Pulaski, and an earth-work on 
Warsaw island as an advanced fortification to the 
Skidaway island batteries. In the vicinity of 
Ossabaw sound no defensive work existed exterior 
to the battery on Green island. Then came Fort 
McAllister near the mouth of the Great Ogeechee 
river. On the north point of St. Catharine island 
was a small battery; and so the purpose was to 
pursue this system of fortifications as far as the 
southern extremity of Cumberland island. 

Such isolated works, feeble in themselves and 
far removed from a convenient base of supplies, 
were essentially inadequate for the purpose for 
which they were intended, were incapable of re- 
sisting anything like a determined attack, and, at 
the commencement of the Confederate struggle for 
independence when the art of war was but partially 
understood and it was deemed an imperative duty 
to protect every foot of Confederate soil, were 
mainly designed to quiet the fears of the planters 
on the coast who, apprehensive of the approach of 
armed vessels and marauding parties commissioned 
to annoy exposed localities and disorganize the 
13 



98 

labor upon their estates, were clamorous for some 
protection of this sort. These outer batteries were 
held only a short time. Several of them, although 
planned, and partially completed with the aid of 
slave labor from neighboring plantations, were 
never finished. 

On the 18th day of February, 1862, the batte- 
ries on St. Simons and Jekyl islands, designed for 
the protection of Brunswick, were abandoned, and 
their armaments transferred to more important 
points. From this time onward, during the con- 
tinuance of the war, the heavy guns on the Geor- 
gia coast were charged solely with guarding the 
water approaches to the city of Savannah and its 
vicinity. The advanced line for the control of 
these water approaches was represented by a bat- 
tery at Ked Bluflf, Fort Pulaski, detached works 
on Wilmington, Skidaway, and Green islands, and 
by Fort McAllister. There was also an interior 
line of forts and water batteries which, commenc- 
ing with Fort Jackson and the Savannah river 
batteries, included Fort Bartow, works at Caus- 
ton's bluff and on Whitmarsh island, batteries at 
Greenwich, Thunderbolt, the Isle of Hope, and at 
Beaulieu, and rested its right on the Rose Dew 
batteries. Fort Pulaski was isolated on the 22d 
of February, 1862, and passed into the hands of 
the Federals on the 11th of April following. In 



99 

March of the same year the battery on Skid away 
island was abandoned, and its guns were employed 
in strengthening Thunderbolt battery. About the 
same time the fort on Green island was dismantled, 
and its armament transferred to the battery at 
Beaulieu. 

In addition to these defenses, a line of formida- 
ble field works, within easy range of each other, 
and in many places connected by curtains, armed 
with siege and field guns, was thrown up for the 
immediate defense of Savannah. Commencing at 
Fort Boggs on the Savannah river, and thence ex- 
tending south and west in a semi-circular form, 
enveloping the city at distances varying from one 
to two and a quarter miles, it terminated at the 
Springfield plantation swamp. The principal 
works in this line were Fort Boggs, mounting four- 
teen guns, some of them quite heavy and com- 
manding Savannah river. Fort Brown, near the 
Catholic cemetery, armed with eleven guns, and 
Fort Mercer having a battery of nine guns. Be- 
tween Springfield plantation swamp where the 
right of the line rested just beyond Laurel Grove 
cemetery, and Fort Mercer, were eighteen lunettes, 
mounting in the aggregate twenty guns. Connect- 
ing Fort Mercer with Fort Brown was a cremeil- 
liere line with nine salients, mounting in the aggre- 
gate eight guns. Between Fort Brown and Fort 



100 

Boggs were seven lunettes, mounting in the aggre- 
gate eight guns. These works were well supplied 
with magazines. It will be noted that the armament 
of these city lines consisted of seventy pieces of artil- 
lery of various calibres, among which 32, 24, 18, 
12 and 6-pounder guns predominated. A consider- 
able supply of ammunition was kept on hand in 
the magazines. Such was the condition of this 
city line in the month of October, 1864. When, 
however, it became necessary, the month follow- 
ing, to arm the western line for the defense of the 
city against Sherman's army, many guns were 
withdrawn from the city line and placed in battery 
on the western defenses. In fact, the principal 
supply of guns and ammunition was hence derived. 
The first assignment of guns on the western line 
was m.ade by the writer on the 20th of November. 
Major General Lafayette McLaws was then in 
command of the district of Georgia ; Major John 
McCrady was acting as chief engineer, and Captain 
L. Jacqueline Smith as ordnance officer. When 
Lieut. General Hardee arrived and assumed com- 
mand. Colonel J. J. Clarke discharged the duties 
of chief engineer, and Lieut. Col. J. R. Waddy was 
announced as chief ordnance officer. 

As Federal vessels of war, in anticipation of the 
approach of Sherman's army, had been multiplied 
along the coast, and as a demonstration in aid of 



101 

his movement was deemed entirely probable, it was 
manifestly necessary that the forts and batteries 
commanding the water approaches to the city of 
Savannah should be kept amply garrisoned and 
properly supplied with ammunition. Consequently, 
during the continuance of the siege, the cannoneers 
were kept at their posts and a strict watch was 
maintained. As but slight changes were made 
during the siege in the armament of these fixed 
batteries, the following statement of guns in posi- 
tion along the water front of the Savannah defenses 
may be accepted as substantially correct. 

We begin with Red Bluff battery on the Carolina 
shore, which constituted the left of the line. 

This enclosed work was armed with six guns, as 
follows : two 24-pounder rifle guns, one 8-inch 
columbiad, one 24 and two 12-po under howitzers. 

At the extremity of the bay, in the city of Sa- 
vannah, was located a 32-pounder gun. 

On Hutchinson's island was an earth work 
mounting three 32-pounder guns. 

The armament of Fort Jackson consisted of two 
8-inch columbiads, two 32- pounder rifle guns, and 
three 32-pounder naval guns. 

The other batteries for the defense of the Sa- 
vannah river proper (aside from Fort Boggs whose 
location and armament have already been men- 
tioned) were Cheves, Lawton, and Lee. 



102 

Three 32-pounder guns and two 10-inch colum- 
biads constituted the armament of Battery Cheves. 

That of Battery Lawton was stronger, consisting 
of one 32-pounder rifle gun, one 42-pouuder smooth 
bore, two 8-inch and two 10-inch columbiad guns. 

The most powerful work in the Savannah river 
was Battery Lee, which mounted two 10-inch 
mortars, two 10-inch and three 8-inch columbiads, 
one 42, and one 32-pounder gun, and two 24- 
pounder howitzers. 

Fort Bartow, commanding St, Augustine creek 
not far from its confluence with Savannah river, 
was a substantially constructed, enclosed earth 
work, mounting sixteen guns, to wit : one 10-inch 
columbiad, two 8- inch naval shell guns, two 8- 
inch columbiads, two 24-pounder rifle guns, one 12- 
pounder rifle gun, two 8-pounder and two 6-pounder 
smooth bore guns, three 3-inch rifle guns, and one 
boat howitzer. The water battery at Causton's 
bluff, in advance of Fort Bartow, was armed with 
two 32-pounder smooth bore guns. 

For the protection of the approaches by way of 
Whitemarsh island, abattery was located at Turner's 
point mounting three 10-inch columbiads, one 20- 
pounderParrottgun, and two 12-pounder howitzers ; 
and another at Gibson's point which was armed 
with two 8-inch siege howitzers and two 32- 
pounder guns. Across the island was thrown up 



103 

a substantial line of field works mounting seven 32- 
pounder guns, one 4.62-incli, and one 3-incli rifle 
gun. Near the head of the causeway leading to 
Causton's bluff were located some lunettes and an- 
gles for field pieces. 

At Greenwich was a battery of three 32-pounder 
guns. 

At Thunderbolt was a succession of well tra- 
versed earth works, mounting one 10-inch colum- 
biad, two 8-inch columbiads, two 8-inch shell 
guns, one 42-pounder rifle, one 42-pounder smooth 
bore, and six 32-pounder guns. The batteries on 
the Isle of Hope were distributed as follows : at 
Grimball's point a small work armed with one 32- 
pounder ; at Grimball's house another, mounting 
two guns of like calibre ; and at the Church lot a 
more formidable work mounting two 8-inch co- 
lumbiads and two 32-pounder guns. Near Skida- 
way bridge was a Ute du pont, prepared for the 
reception of siege pieces or light artillery. 

The point at Beaulieu being an important one, 
was strongly fortified and provided with one 8-inch 
and two 10-inch columbiads, two 42 and three 32- 
pounder guns. A light battery was also stationed 
within supporting distance. 

Rose Dew battery was armed with three 10- 
inch columbiads, one 10-inch mortar, and one 32 
and one 18-pounder rifle gun. 



104 

Colonel Edward C. Anderson was, during the 
siege, assigned to the general command of these 
fixed batteries. The guns in these positions were 
supplied with an average of rather more than one 
hundred rounds of ammunition to the piece. As 
additional obstructions to an ascent of the Savan- 
nah river by the enemy, cribs, filled with brick 
and stone, had been sunk in the channel below the 
forts and under cover of their guns. Below the 
Thunderbolt battery the river was impeded by 
quantities of live-oak logs. 

We conclude this allusion to the water defenses 
of Savannah by an enumeration of the guns in 
position at Fort McAllister near the mouth of the 
Great Ogeechee river. 

Constituting the right of the exterior line de- 
signed and held for the protection of Savannah, 
and situated at Genesis point on the right bank 
of the Great Ogeechee river, it effectually com- 
manded the channel of that river, shielded the im- 
portant rail road bridge across the Ogeechee near 
"Way's station on the Atlantic and Gulf rail road, 
and preserved the important and numerous rice- 
plantations in its neighborhood from molestation 
and demoralization. From the day of its construc- 
tion, which was coeval with the earliest Con- 
federate defenses on the Georgia coast, to the hour 
of its capture on the 13th of December, 1864, it 



105 

subserved purposes most conducive to the general 
welfare, and on various occasions gallantly repulsed 
well sustained naval attacks from the enemy. 

Although the mantle of decay is spread above 
its deserted magazines and rank weeds are choking 
its vacant gun-chambers, the heroic memories 
which it has bequeathed and the noble part it 
sustained in the Confederate struggle for independ- 
ence will not be forgotten in the lapse of years 
or lightly esteemed in the record of truth and 
valor. No name is more proudly remembered on 
the Georgia coast than that of this now almost 
obliterated earth-work near the mouth of the Great 
Ogeechee. Seven times did it successfully with- 
stand the attacks of Federal gun-boats and iron- 
clads attempting its demolition. Daring its bom- 
bardment of the 27th of January, 1863, for the 
first time in the history of naval warfare were 15- 
inch guns used in the effort to reduce a shore 
battery ; and here was demonstrated the ability of 
sand-parapets to resist the disintegrating effect of 
guns of the heaviest calibre. After the attack of 
the 3d of March, 1863, in which its bermuda 
covered parapets for seven long hours were rained 
upon by four monitors, three 1 3-inch mortar 
schooners, and five gun boats, the enemy never 
renewed their efforts for its reduction, and the 
Confederate flag floated proudly from its parade 
U 



106 

until that hour when it went down amid the smoke 
and carnage of General Hazen's assault. 

The mission of this work was the defense of the 
Great Ogeechee river, and to that end were its 
guns disposed. The rear of the fort, however, 
was protected by a suitable infantry line, strength- 
ened at intervals by ramps for field artillery, not 
with a view to offering any protracted defense 
against a serious investment from the land side, 
but for the purpose of repulsing any attempt to 
carry the fort by assault by expeditions landed for 
that puipose. Torpedoes planted in the river, 
under the guns of this battery, materially aided in 
its defense, and late in the fall of 1864 sub-terra 
shells were located in rear of the fort. 

The armament of Fort McAllister in the fall 
of 1864, was as follows : One 10-inch mortar, one 
8-inch and two 10-inch columbiads, one 42- 
pounder gun, one 32-pounder rifle and one 32- 
pounder smooth bore gun, one-24 pounder howitzer, 
two 12-pounder mountain howitzers, and six 6- 
pounder field guns. In the magazines was a supply 
of rather more than one hundred and fifty rounds 
of ammunition to the piece. Captain Clinch's 
light battery was stationed in the neighborhood 
to act as a support, and to occupy, as the emer- 
gency arose, some light field works which had been 
thrown up at advantageous points along the banks 



107 

of the river between the fort and the rail road 
crossing. 

In anticipation of the early isolation of Fort 
McAllister, and in recognition of the fact that so 
soon as General Sherman's army should have fully 
enveloped the western lines of Savannah no com- 
munication could be had with nor relief offered to 
this post, on the morning of the 8th of December 
1000 pounds of bacon, 2250 pounds of hard bread, 
and other supplies amounting in all to thirty-two 
days' rations for two hundred _men, were issued 
from Savannah and safely conveyed to the fort. 
Extra issues of 40 gallons of whiskey, 40 gallons 
of molasses, 50 pounds of candles, and some soap 
and salt were issued and received at the same time. 

The following day fifteen days' rations were 
added to the above, so that the fort was amply 
provisioned. 

Major George W. Anderson was in command, 
and the garrison numbered about one hundred 
and fifty men. 

In consequence of the withdrawal of the small 
infantry force which, under Coin. Fizer, had been 
disputing the advance of Osterhaus's column on the 
right bank of the Great Ogeechee river, and by 
the retreat of the Confederate cavalry, under Coin. 
Hood, in the direction of Liberty county. Fort 
McAllister was, on the morning of the 11th of 



108 

December, left in an absolutely isolated condition, 
without any reasonable hope of support or relief 
from any quarter. 

That the garrison was not recalled in time with- 
in the lines of Savannah and the post seasonably 
evacuated, can be explained only on the supposition 
that the Confederate commander hoped and be- 
lieved by a bold retention of this outpost and as 
strong a display of resistance as practicable, Sher- 
man, even at that late day, might be induced to 
avoid Savannah and seek some other and more 
facile point on the coast for communicating with 
the Federal fleet. And yet, in view of the over- 
whelming strength of the Union army and its 
manifest determination toward Savannah, such an 
idea could scarcely have been reasonably enter- 
tained. The abandonment of Fort McAllister, 
with its feeble garrison, to its own resources, can 
hardly be justified. 

The following dispatches from General Beaure- 
gard to Lieut. General Hardee indicate the general 
instructions furnished for the tenure and defense 
of Savannah. 



109 



Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 3d, 1864. 

To Lieut. Genl. W. J. Hardee, 
Savannah, Ga., 

Via Tallahassee, Fla. : 
I leave to-day for Augusta, and Savannah. Con- 
struct loop-holes and embrasures on defenses of latter 
city. Works along overflows around city are essen- 
tial. Obstruct all roads from Millen to Port Royal, 
Ossabaw Sound, and Brunswick. 

G. T. Beauregard. 

Charleston, S. C, December 8th, 1864. 
Lieut. Genl. Hardee, 

Savannah, Ga. : 
Having no army of relief to look to, and your forces 
being essential to the defense of Georgia and South 
Carolina, whenever you shall have to select between 
their safety and that of Savannah, sacrifice the latter 
and form a junction with Genl. Jones, holding the left 
bank of the Savannah river and the rail road to this 
place as long as possible. ^ ^_ Beauregard. 

Savannah, Ga., Dec. 9, 1864. 
Li. Genl. W. J. Hardee, 

Commdg., etc. 
General : 

It is my desire, after the consultation that has taken 
place, that you should hold this city so long as in your 
judgment it may be advisable to do so, bearing in mind 



no 

that should you have to decide between a sacrifice of 
the garrison or city, you will preserve the garrison for 
operations elsewhere. 

Very Respectfully 

Yours, etc., 

Gr. T. Beauregard, 

General. 

Lt, Genl Hardee, C'Aar^esto, 8. C, 13 Dec, 1864. 
Savannah, Ga. : 
About four hundred and fifty men will be sent you 
to-day with instructions to Genl. Jones to divert them, 
if necessary, to defenses of Il^ew river and those east 
Screven's ferry causeway. These reenforcements are 
the last you and Jones, who is subject to your orders, 
can hope for. Keep yourself well advised, through 
staff'-officers and otherwise, of his ability to hold your 
communication ; for Savannah must be held only so 
long as is consistent with the safety of its garrison. 

G. T. Beauregard, 

General. 

Charleston, S. C, Dec. 15, 1864. 
Lt. Genl. Hardee. 11:30 a. m. 

Savannah, Ga. : 
Under no circumstances must you be cut oiF from 
junction of your forces with those of Genl. Jones. The 
safety of Georgia and South Carolina depends upon 

*^^^ '^^''^^' G. T. Beauregard, 

General. 



Ill 



CHAPTER VII. 

Distribution of Confederate Forces along the Western Line — = 
Federal Timidity and Hesitation — Capture of the Dispatch 
Boat Ida — -A-ffair at Shaw's Dam — Repulse of the As- 
sctult upon Foi't Hardeman — The Tender Resolute cap- 
tured hy the Enemy — Federal Movement against Fort 
McAllister — Assault upon and Capture of that Work hy 
Hazen's Division — Reports of Major Anderson and of Brig. 
Genl. Hazen — Gallant Conduct of the Garrison. 

The western lines, about which the chief interest 
concentres, have already been sufficiently described. 
They were begun so soon as it was ascertained that 
Sherman had commenced his movement from At- 
lanta, and were constructed as rapidly as available 
labor and means would permit. The credit of 
their location is due to Major John McCrady, then 
chief engineer of the district, under the directions 
of Major General Lafayette McLaws. On the 20th 
of November the first assignment of guns was made 
for their armament, and others were hastened into 
position as rapidly as they could be withdrawn 
from the city lines and other localities from which 
they could be spared. 

Troops for the occupation of these lines com- 
menced taking their posts on the 7th of December, 
and at once entered, with much activity, upon the 



112 

task of strengthening them and extending the in- 
fantry cover. 

Major General Gustavus W. Smith's troops, 
numbering about 2000 muskets, were disposed on 
the right, from the Savannah river almost to the 
crossing of the Central rail road — a front of about 
two miles and a half. His right was commanded 
by Brig. Genl. Anderson, and his left by Brig. 
Genl. Carswell. The two regiments of the State 
line were posted near the Louisville road, and the 
First brigade of militia near the Augusta road. The 
intermediate line was occupied by the battalion of 
Cadets. The Second and Third brigades of Georgia 
militia held the line from the Augusta road to the 
bank of the Savannah river ; and Fort Hardeman, 
the advanced work across Williamson's rice field, 
was occupied by Colonel Hill with a detachment 
from the Third Georgia brigade, a detachment of 
Cadets, and Pruden's militia battery. A portion 
of Anderson's Confederate light battery, and a 
part of Major Hamilton's battalion of light artillery 
were conveniently posted in support. 

Major General Lafayette McLaws' front, forming 
the center of the line, commenced about one 
hundred feet to the right of the Central rail road 
crossing, and terminated at the swamp to the left 
of the Daly farm. Measured along the entrench- 
ments, its length was about three miles and three 



113 

quarters. His right was commanded by Brig. 
Genl. Baker, and his left by Brig. Genl. Lewis. 
Genl. Baker's forces consisted of North Carolina 
troops and Georgia and South Carolina artillerists . 
Those under Genl. Lewis consisted of Worthen's 
North Carolina battalion, detachments of the 4th 
Tennessee and the 12th South Carolina Cavalry, 
the 2d, 4th, and 9th, Kentucky Mounted Infantry, 
the 3d battalion Georgia Reserves, Major Cook's 
Athens battalion, the 5th regiment Georgia Re- 
serves, and the 1st regiment Georgia Regulars. 

Daniell's light battery, Abell's light battery, and 
sections of the light batteries of Captains Barnwell 
and Wagner supported this por-tion of the line. 
The troops on General McLaws' front numbered 
about 3750 men. 

Major General A. R. Wright, on the 11th of 
December, was assigned to the command of the 
left of the western lines extending from the Daly 
farm, or Telfair swamp, to the Atlantic and Galf 
rail road bridge over the Little Ogeecliee river — a 
distance of some seven miles. He had under him 
Brig. General Hugh W. Mercer, commanding his 
right from the Telfair swamp to a point east of 
Lawton's house, and Brig. Genl. John K. Jackson, 
commanding his left from Lawton's house to the 
Atlantic and Gulf rail road crossing over the Little 
Ogeechee river. This front of Major Genl. Wright 
15 



114 

was irregular, being interrupted by dense woods 
and impracticable swamps. It was held by about 
2700 men ; twelve hundred under Brig. Genl. 
Mercer, and the rest under Brig. Genl. Jackson. 
Genl. Mercer's command consisted of Coin. Browne's 
local brigade (composed of Major Jackson's Au- 
gusta battalion, Major Adams's Athens battalion, 
and a regiment of local troops under Colonel 
Nisbet), Brooks foreign battalion, a detachment 
of the 55th Georgia regiment, and Capt. Barnes's 
company of artillerists from Augusta. This force 
was disposed as follows : Lt. Coin. R. B. Nisbet, 
with Adams's Athens battalion, a portion of the 
1st Regiment of Augusta local infantry, and 
demon's battalion Augusta local infantry, oc- 
cupied the line from Battery Richardson to Battery 
Barnwell. Griffin's detachment of the 55th Georgia 
regiment supported batteries Wheeler and Simp- 
kins, and Jackson's Augusta battalion of local 
infantry occupied the line from the last named 
work to Battery Barnes, which was held by the 
Augusta artillerists under Captain George Barnes. 
Brooks's foreign battalion was posted near the left 
of Battery Barnes. 

Brig. Genl. Jackson's command was composed 
of Coin. Von Zinken's local troops, drawn from 
the Confederate arsenals and work-shops of Co- 
lumbus and elsewhere in the state of Georgia, de- 



115 

tachments fromGenl. Ferguson's brigade of cavalry, 
dismounted, and local reserves from Savannah. 
Brooks's light battery was stationed at Battery 
Jones, at the crossing of the old Savannah and 
Darien stage road over Salt creek, and Capt. 
Guerard's light battery, sections of Maxwell's and 
Barnwell's light batteries, and a detachment of 
Major Hamilton's artillery battalion supported this 
line of Genl. Wright, being disposed at important 
points. 

Every effort was made, by the erection of batteries 
and infantry entrenchments, by digging rifle pits 
and constructing substantial covers, by felling trees 
in its front and by flooding all approaches, to 
render this western line as formidable as the labor and 
materials at command would permit. Its efficiency, 
in conjunction with the artificial overflow in its 
front, will be conceded when it is remembered that 
for ten days it kept Sherman's formidable army 
at bay. And yet, thirteen miles long as it was, 
and held by scarcely more than a skirmish line 
strengthened at intervals, it must be admitted that 
if the Federals had massed their forces for a de- 
termined assault, they could, any day during the 
continuance of the siege, have carried it. With 
an army more than six times that of the Con- 
federates, and this Confederate force composed in 
great majority of detailed men, reserves, militia 



116 

and boys unusued to action, it seems marvellous 
that Genl. Sherman should have contented him- 
self with sitting down before our lines, erecting 
counter batteries, engaging in artillery duels and 
sharp-shooting, feeling for weak points day after 
day, after the capture of Fort McAllister making 
arrangements for the transportation of heavy 
guns with which to shell Savannah at great 
distances and over the heads of her defenders, and 
finally suffering the garrison to withdraw by pontoon 
bridges and canal banks to the Carolina shore. 

Had he indicated that activity and energy de- 
manded by the situation, the probabilities are that 
he could have captured the entire Confederate 
army. That he did not do so, reflects severely 
upon him as a soldier and a commander. The 
evacuation of Savannah and the subsequent seizure 
of many thousand bales of private cotton afforded 
the Federal general an opportunity for a festive 
interchange of dispatches with the President of 
the United States, in which his famous " Christmas 
present" figures largely; but he pillaged a nest 
from which the eagle had flown, and all the balder- 
dash which has been written and spoken about 
this vaunted " march to the sea " can never, in the 
clear light of history, cover up or excuse the lack 
of dash and the want of ordinary military skill and 
precaution betrayed by General Sherman, with the 



117 

formidable force at his command, in permitting the 
Confederate garrison to retire unmolested by a 
route so precarious in its character, and by a flank 
movement which could have been easily frustrated 
by a single division. 

Decemher ] 0th. The enemy destroyed two miles 
of the Charleston and Savannah rail road and 
appeared at all points along our western line^ 
driving in our pickets. Captain Gildersleeve, of 
the 150th New York regiment, captured the Con- 
federate dispatch steam boat Ida, taking thirteen 
prisoners, among whom was Coin. J. H. M. Clinch, 
volunteer aid to Lieut. Genl. Hardee, who was at 
the time proceeding up the Savannah river with 
orders from Lieut. Genl, Hardee to the naval officer 
in command of the Confederate gun boats lying 
above. The Ida was burned. 

Our artillery opened freely upon the Federal 
forces as they showed themselves in coming into 
position. The Confederate troops were busily 
engaged in strengthening our works and in throwing 
up strong infantry defenses. Toward evening an 
attempt was made to force the dam across Shaw's 
rice field. This effort was handsomely repulsed. 
Our line was felt almost along its entire length, and 
at some points quite vigorously. 

Decemher 11th. The enemy renewed the contest 
for the possession of Shaw's dam, opening fire from 



118 

a battery which had been advantageously posted 
during the night of the 10th. This struggle was 
continued at intervals during the day, and was 
met by the infantry command of Lieut. Coin. 
Nisbet and the field guns of Lieutenants Elliott and 
Acee. The Federal battery was silenced, and 
before dark the enemy withdrew under cover of 
the woods. In this affair the Confederates sus- 
tained a loss of two killed, nine wounded, and two 
missing. 

Heavy artillery firing occurred at the Salt creek^ 
and Pine point batteries, along the line at Daly's 
farm, and at the crossings of the Louisville, Central, 
and Augusta roads. In the afternoon an attempt 
was made to carry Fort Hardeman, the advanced 
work in front of the right of our line, but the as- 
saulting column was easily driven back. During 



1 It is worthy of remark that this Salt creek battery, during 
the progress of the siege, encountered a continuous and violent 
artillery and infantry fire from the enemy, who erected counter 
batteries to the right and left of the old Darien road on the 
plantations of the Hon. George S. Owens and Coin. Edward C. 
Anderson, and within easy range. The artillery fire at this 
point was more constant and heavier than at any other on the 
Confederate line. The Confederate practice was admirable, the 
enemy's guns on more than one occasion having been completely 
silenced. Especial credit is due to Captain John W. Brooks, 
and his excellent company, the Terrell artillery, for the skill 
and bravery with which the guns in this battery were handled. 



119 

the night two companies of the 3d Wisconsin 
crossed the Savannah river to Argyle island, and 
were there reenforced the next morning by six ad- 
ditional companies from the same regiment. 

December 12th. Our artillery was engaged along 
the line, and considerable sharp shooting occurred 
on both sides. At Daly's farm the muzzle of a 12- 
pounder gun was shot away by a 3-inch rifle gun, 
and the carriage of another 12-pounder gun was 
cut down by a cannon shot. A 32-pounder gun 
at Battery Jones, on Salt creek, was disabled in a 
similar way. 

Two Confederate gun boats, in attempting to 
descend the river, were driven back by Winnegar's 
battery which had been placed in position at 
Tweedside plantation so as to command the channel 
between Argyle island and the Georgia shore. The 
tender Resolute ran aground and was taken pos- 
session of by Coin. Hawley of the 3d Wisconsin. 
This boat was unarmed, and at the time of her 
capture had on board five naval ofiicers and a crew 
of nineteen men, who were all made prisoners. 

During the day the enemy, with a section 
of De Grase's light battery stationed near Dr. 
Cheves's rice mill on the left bank of the Great 
Ogeechee, opened fire at long range upon Fort 
McAllister. The fort responded, but little if any 
damage occurred on either side. 



120 

December 13th. The country around Savannah 
being thinly populated and yielding supplies less 
generous than those which had been encountered 
during the march through Upper and Middle 
Georgia, and General Sherman's army having well 
nigh consumed the provisions transported in the 
wagonSj and being largely restrained from foraging 
in the rear by Confederate cavalry, the Federal 
troops when massed before the western lines were 
forced to rely for subsistence mainly upon the rice 
found upon the neighboring plantations. It was 
evident that so many men could not long be main- 
tained in their present situation. Rice — straw and 
moss, were the only provender which could be ob- 
tained for the animals. Under this pressure the 
anxiety of the Federal general to establish early 
communication with the fleet was greatly increased. 
He endeavored, through his cavalry sent to pro- 
minent points along the shores of Bryan and 
Liberty counties, and more particularly by means 
of a signal station at Dr. Cheves's rice mill, to attract 
the notice of the Federal vessels which he was 
persuaded were hovering about the coast in antici- 
pation of his arrival. About midday on .he 13th 
of December, the signal officers at Cheves's rice mill 
succeeded in engaging the attention of a steamer 
near the mouth of the Great Ogeechee river, which 
subsequently proved to be a tug sent by Genl. 



121 

Foster and Admiral Dahlgren to observe the coast 
for signals from Sherman's army. 

Hemmed in by Confederate cavalry and light 
artillery guarding the left bank of the Savannah 
river, General Sherman hesitated to attempt the 
passage of that stream and to inaugurate a move- 
ment to the coast of South Carolina across the rice 
fields opposite Savannah. The less hazardous 
method of effecting a convenient lodgment where 
United States vessels could easily approach and 
minister to the wants of his army was by taking 
possession of the Great Ogeechee river. In order 
to do this, the capture of Fort McAllister, now 
wholly isolated, became necessary. 

King's bridge across the Great Ogeechee river, 
on the line of the old Savannah and Darien stage 
road, had been burnt by the Confederates upon 
their withdrawal within the lines around Sa- 
vannah. It was however, reconstructed in a sub- 
stantial manner by the 58th Indiana, under the 
supervision of Captain Reese of the engineer corps, 
and was, by the night of the 12th, ready for the 
passage of troops. 

The second division of the 15th Army Corps, 
consisting of seventeen regiments under the com- 
mand of Brig. Genl. Hazen, was, on the morning 
of the 13th, put in motion for the capture of Fort 
McAllister. Crossing the Great Ogeechee at Kings 
16 



122 

bridge and, as soon as the high ground had been 
attained, marching along the main road which runs 
parallel with the river, this force arrived in the 
vicinity of the fort about one o'clock in the after- 
noon. Deploying his division so as to completely 
invest the work, with both flanks of his command 
resting upon the Great Ogeechee, and with sharp 
shooters and skirmishers posted behind the trunks 
of trees whose branches had been used by the Con- 
federates for the construction of abattis around the 
land approaches to the fort, for four hours the 
Federal commander harrassed the garrison and 
watched his opportunity for making the purposed 
assault. 

About fi.ve o'clock p. m. General Sherman who, 
from Cheves's rice mill had been narrowly ob- 
serving these operations, signalled Genl. Hazen it 
was important he should carry the fort that after- 
noon. Accordingly General Hazen advanced at 
once to the assault, moving with his whole force 
against the fort, sweeping over the abattis and rear 
defenses, and in a short time effecting its capture 
with a loss to his command of one hundred and 
thirty-four officers and men killed and wounded. 

For the following account of this assault upon 
and capture of Fort McAllister we are indebted 
to Major George W. Anderson, the officer in com- 
mand, whose name and services had been long and 



123 

honorably associated with the defense of this 
memorable earth work. 



Hearing incidentally that the Confederate forces on 
Cannouchee had evacuated that position and retired 
across the Great Ogeechee, and learning that a large 
column of the enemy was approaching in the direction 
of Fort McAllister, I immediately detached a scouting 
party under command of Second Lieutenant T. O'Neal, 
of Clinch's light battery, to watch them and acquaint 
me with their movements. This was absolutely ne- 
cessary, as the cavalry previously stationed in Bryan 
county had been withdrawn, and I was thus thrown 
upon my own resources for all information relating to 
the strength and designs of the enemy. On^ the 
morning of the 12th of December, 1864, 1 accompanied 
Lieutenant O'l^eal on a scout, and found the enemy 
advancing in force from King's bridge. We were 
hotly pursued by their cavalry, and had barely time to 
burn the barns of Messrs. Thomas C. Arnold and 
William Patterson, which were filled with rice. The 
steam tug Columbus, lying about three miles above 
the fort, was also burned. Early the next morning 
one of my pickets, stationed at the head of the cause- 
way west of the fort, was captured by the enemy, to 
whom he imparted the fact that the causeway was 
studded with torpedoes in time to prevent their ex- 
plosion. He also acquainted them with the strength 
of the garrison, and the armament of the fort, and the 
best approaches to it. 



124 

About eight o'clock, a. m. desultory firing com- 
menced between the skirmishers of the enemy and my 
sharpshooters. At ten o'clock the fight became general, 
the opposing forces extending from the river entirely 
around to the marsh on the east. The day before, the 
enemy had established a battery of Parrott guns on 
the opposite side of the river, distant from the fort a 
mile and a half, w^hich fired upon us at regular intervals 
during that day and the ensuing night.^ Receiving 
from head quarters neither orders nor responses to my 
telegraphic dispatches, I determined under the cir- 
cumstances, and notwithstanding the great disparity 
of numbers between the garrison and the attacking 
forces, to defend the fort to the last extremity. The 
guns being en barbette, the detachments serving them 
were greatly exposed to the fire of the enemy's sharp 
shooters. To such an extent was this the case, that 
in one instance, out of a detachment of eight men 
three were killed and three more wounded. The 
Federal skirmish line was very heavy, and the fire so 
close and rapid that it was at times impossible to work 
our guns. My sharp shooters did all in their power, 
but were entirely too few to suppress this galling fire 
upon the artillerists. In view of the large force of the 
enemy, consisting of nine regiments whose aggregate 
strength was estimated between 3,500 and 4,000 
muskets, and possessing the ability to increase it at 
any time should it become necessary, and recollecting 



1 The light artillery here alluded to consisted of a section of De 
Grase's battery, posted near the rice mill on Dr. Cheves's plantation. 



125 

the feebleness of the garrison of the fort, numbering 
only 150 effective men, it was evident, cut off from all 
support, and with no possible hope of reeuforcements 
from any quarter, that holding the fort was simply a 
question of time. There was but one alternative, 
death or captivity. Captain Thomas S. White, the 
engineer in charge, had previously felled the trees in 
the vicinity of the fort and demolished the mortar 
magazine which commanded the fort to a very con- 
siderable extent. For lack of necessary force and time, 
however, the felled timber and the ruins of the adjacent 
houses which had been pulled down had not been 
entirely removed. Protected by this cover, the enemy's 
sharp shooters were enabled to approach quite near, 
to the great annoyance and injury of the cannoneers. 
One liue of abattis had been constructed by the en- 
gineer, and three lines would have been completed 
around the fort but for the want of time and material. 
Late in the afternoon the full force of the enemy 
made a rapid and vigorous charge upon the works, 
and, succeeding in forcing their way through the abattis, 
rushed over the parapet of the fort, carrying it by 
storm, and, by virtue of superior numbers, overpowered 
the garrison fighting gallantly to the last. In many 
instances the Confederates were disarmed by main 
force. The fort was never surrendered. It was captured 
by overwhelming numbers. So soon as the enemy opened 
fire upon the fort from the opposite side of the river, 
it was evident that two of the magazines were seriously 
endangered, and it became necessary to protect them 
from that fire by the erection of suitable traverses. 



126 

The labor expended in their construction, in the 
mounting of guns on the rear of the work, and in re- 
moving the debris above referred to, occupied the 
garrison constantly night and day for nearly forty-eight 
hours immediately preceding the attack. Conse- 
quently, at the time of the assault, the men were greatly 
fatigued and in bad plight, physically considered, for 
the contest. I think it not improper to state here, that 
a short time before the approach of the enemy a member 
of the torpedo department had, in obedience to orders, 
placed in front of the fort and along the direct ap- 
proaches, a considerable number of sub-terra shells, 
whose explosions killed quite a number of the enemy 
while passing over them. 

After the capture of the fort. General Sherman in 
person ordered my engineer, with a detail of sixteen 
men from the garrison, then prisoners of war, to remove 
all the torpedoes which bad not exploded. This 
hazardous duty was performed without injury to any 
one; but it appearing to me to be an unwarrantable 
and improper treatment of prisoners of war, I have 
thought it right to refer to it in this report. 

I am pleased to state that in my endeavors to hold 
the fort I was nobly seconded by the great majority 
of officers and men under m}^ command. Many of 
them had never been under fire before, and quite a 
number were very young, in fact mere boys. Where 
so many acted gallantly, it woukl be invidious to dis- 
criminate ; but I cannot avoid mentioning those who 
came more particularly under ray notice. I would 
therefore most respectfully call the attention of the 



127 

general commanding to the gallant conduct of Captain 
Clincb, who, when summoned to surrender by a Federal 
captain, responded by dealing him a severe blow on 
the head with his sabre. (Captain Clinch had pre- 
viously received two gun shot wounds in the arm). 
Immediately a hand to hand fight ensued. Federal 
privates came to the assistance of their officer, but the 
fearless Clinch continued the unequal contest until he 
fell bleeding from eleven wounds (three sabre wounds, 
six bayonet wounds, and two gun shot wounds), from 
which, after severe and protracted suffering, he has 
barely recovered. His conduct was so conspicuous, and 
his cool bravery so much admired, as to elicit the praise 
of the enemy and even of General Sherman himself. 

First Lieutenant "William Schirm fought his guns 
until the enemy entered the fort, and, notwithstanding 
a wound in the head, gallantly remained at his post, 
discharging his duties with a coolness and eflficiency 
worthy of all commendation. 

Lieutenant O'Keal whom I placed in command of 
the scouting party before mentioned, while in the dis- 
charge of that duty and in his subsequent conduct 
during the attack, merited the honor due to a faithful 
and gallant officer. 

Among those who nobly fell, was the gallant Hazzard, 
whose zeal and activity w' ere worthy of all praise. He 
died as a true soldier — at his post facing overwhelming 
odds. 

The garrison consisted of 

The Emmett Eifles, Captain George A. Mcoll com- 
manding, numbering for duty, 25 men. 



128 

Clin ell's light battery, Captain 1^. B. Clincli com- 
manding, numbering for duty, 50 men. 

Company D, Ist Regiment Georgia Reserves, Captain 
Henry commanding, numbering for duty, 28 men. 

Company E, 1st Regiment Georgia Reserves, Captain 
Morrison commanding, numbering for duty, 47 men. 
Total, 150 men. 

Casualties. 

Commissioned — Captain K. B. Clincb. Eleven 
wounds. 
Captain Morrison. Shot through both legs. 
First Lieut. Schirm. Shot in the head. 
Killed, Second Lieut. Hazzard. 
Privates and non-commissioned — Killed, 16 ; 
wounded, 28. 

Total killed and wounded, 48. 



General Hazen in his official report thus com- 
memorates the services of his command during the 
investment and assault. 

"At daybreak, the thirteenth, the troops were 
put in motion, reaching the vicinity of McAllister 
at about eleven A. m. About one mile from the 
fort a picket was captured, revealing the where- 
abouts of a line of torpedoes across the road. Some 
time was lost in safely removing them, when, leav- 
ing eight regiments at that point, nine were carried 
forward to about six hundred yards from the fort, 



129 

and deployed, with a line of skirmishers thrown 
sufficiently near the fort to keep the gunners from 
working their guns with any effect : those firing to 
the rear being in barbette. 

" The grounds to the right of the fort being 
marshy, cut through by deep streams, rendered the 
deployment of that part of the line slow and diffi- 
cult, and was not completely effected till forty-five 
minutes past 4 p. m., at which time every officer 
and man of the nine regiments being instructed 
what to do, the bugle sounded the forward, and at 
precisely five o'clock the fort was carried. 

"The troops were deployed in our line as thin as 
possible, the result being that no man in the as- 
sault was struck till they came to close quarters. 
Here the fighting became desperate and deadly. 
Just outside the works a line of torpedoes had been 
placed, many of which were exploded by the tread 
of the troops, blowing many men to atoms; but 
the line moved on without checking, over, under, 
and through abattis, ditches, palisading, and para- 
pet, fighting the garrison through the fort to their 
bomb-proofs, from which they still fought, and only 
succumbed as each man was individually over- 
powered. Our losses were twenty-four officers and 
men killed, and one hundred and ten officers and 
men wounded." 

17 



130 

Among the golden deeds wrought by Confede- 
rates in their gigantic struggle for right, property, 
home, and national independence, the defense of 
Fort McAllister against seven naval attacks and 
this final assault will be proudly reckoned. The 
heroic memories of this earth-work will be che- 
rished long after its parapets and deserted gun- 
chambers shall have been wasted into nothingness 
by the winds and rains of the changing seasons. 
Utterly isolated, cut off from all possible relief — 
capture or death the only alternative — the con- 
duct of this little garrison, in the face of such tre- 
mendous odds, was gallant in the extreme. 

How quickly beats the Confederate pulse, how 
strong the heart-throb of every true Georgian as 
he garners these among the brave memories of his 
land and people, recollections which neither the 
lapse of time nor the political fortunes of the hour 
can impair. 

No higher tribute can be paid to the valor with 
which this fort was defended than that contained 
in the Federal report to which we have just alluded: 
" We fouglit the garrison through the fort to their 
homh-pr oofs, from which they still fought^ and only 
succumbed 05 each man was individually over- 
jpowered." 



131 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Federal Communicaiion established toith the Fleet — Evacua- 
tion of Savannah rendered Imperative — Line of Retreat 
considered and determined upon — Location and Construc- 
tion of Pontoon Bridges across Savannah Rivei Progress 

of the Siege — Heavy Skirmishing between Confederate Cavalry 
and the Enemy on the Left Bank of the Savannah — Deser- 
tions from Brooks's Foreign Battalion — Sherman' s Demand 
for the Surrender of Savannah, its Garrison, and Dependent 
Forts — < Lieut. Genl. Hardee's Refusal — Maj. Genl. Sher- 
man pr,epares to Bombard the City. 

Upon the fall of Fort P«la)sfei every hinderance ^ '■■■ ' ''^'-QJL 
to the full command of the great Ogeechee river '"~~ 

was removed, and General Sherman was able to 
communicate freely with the Federal fleet and esta- 
blish a convenient base of supplies for his army. 
Reenforcements could now be had and heavy guns 
procured with which to prosecute the siege of 
Savannah. The retention of that city by the Con- 
federate forces became from this moment a matter 
of impossibility, and its evacuation an early neces- 
sity. Neither the number and character of the 
troops concentrated for its defense, nor the condition 
of the commissary, quarter-master and ordnance 
stores warranted the hope that its retention could 
be successfully maintained beyond a few days. The 
only line of retreat now open to the Confederates 



132 

was by boats to Screven's ferry landing, and thence 
into South Carolina. So limited, however, were the 
means of transportation, that the idea of retiring 
the garrison by boats was abandoned as soon as it 
was seriously discussed. The construction of pon- 
toon bridges connecting the "city of Savannah with 
the Carolina shore was recognized as a pressing 
necessity. 

Having communicated with the officer in com- 
mand of the U. S. tug Dandelion, General Sher- 
man returned to fort McAllister and there passed 
the night of the 13th. Before day-break he 
was advised by Major Strong, of General Foster's 
staff, that General Foster had arrived in Great 
Ogeechee river and desired to confer with him. 
The ensuing day was spent by General Sherman 
in explaining the situation of affairs both to 
General Foster and to Admiral Dahlgren, and in 
ascertaining upon what cooperation and assistance 
he could rely from the navy and from the Federal 
forces in South Carolina. It was agreed that the 
Admiral should engage the batteries at Turner's 
point, Rose-Dew and Beaulieu, and that General 
Foster should send from Hilton Head siege guns for 
the reduction of Savannah, and vessels suitable for 
the navigation of the Great Ogeechee, and also press 
his advance against the Charleston and Savannah 
rail road in the neighborhood of Coosawhatchie. 



133 

December 14th. The evacuation of Savannah 
having been resolved upon, and it being impracti- 
cable by means of the few steam boats and river 
craft at command to cross the garrison, artillery, 
and requisite stores with convenience and safety 
to Screven's ferry, orders were issued for the im- 
mediate construction of suitable pontoon bridges. 
The line of retreat selected by the engineers and 
adopted upon the evacuation of the city, involved 
the location of a pontoon bridge extending from 
the foot of West Broad street to Hutchinson's island, 
a distance of about a thousand feet, a road way 
across that island in the direction of Pennyworth 
island, a second pontoon bridge across the middle 
river, another road way across Pennyworth island, 
and a third pontoon bridge across Back river, the 
further end of which rested upon the rice field on 
the Carolina shore. The route then followed the 
most substantial and direct rice dam running north, 
a canal being on one side and an impracticable 
rice field on the other. This dam was just wide 
enough to permit the careful movement of field 
artillery and army wagons. The plantation bridges 
along the line of march were strengthened to bear 
the passage of these heavy conveyances. 

Lieut. Coin. Frobel was placed in charge of the 
work, and executed the difficult trust confided 
to him with marked energy and ability. All 



134 

available rice-field flats were collected. These — 
being between seventy-five and eighty feet in 
length and possessing sufficient width for the pur- 
pose — were swung into position with the tide, 
lashed end to end by means of ropes and stringers 
running from boat to boat continuously the entire 
length of the bridge, and were kept in their 
places by car-wheels — the only anchors which 
could be procured.-^ Above the stringers was a 
flooring of plank obtained from the city wharves. 
At eight o'clock on the evening of the 17th the first 
pontoon bridge, spanning the Savannah river from 
the foot of West Broad street to Hutchinson's island, 
was completed, and by half past eight o'clock p. m., 
on Monday the 19 th, the remaining bridges were 
finished and the route in readiness for the retreat 
of the Confederate garrison. Thirty-one rice flats 
were used in the construction of these bridges. 
Heavy fogs, and difiiculties encountered in finding 
and concentrating the requisite number of flats 
caused some delay in the execution of this import- 
ant work : but, in view of the peculiar character 
of the labor and materials at command, it was 
consummated with unusual rapidity and in a very 
substantial manner. 



^ The scarcity of flats compelled the engineer in charge to 
lash them end to end, and not side to side as is usual in the 
construction of pontoon bridges of this description. 



135 

Most of the work upon these bridges was per- 
formed by a detail of sailors from the Confederate 
navy and a detachment of fifty men from the Georgia 
militia. Steam boats were used in collecting the flats 
and towing them into proper position. Just after 
the Confederate army crossed, these bridges were 
cut loose from their moorings and the flats turned 
adrift. The enemy was thus prevented from pur- 
suing, had any such idea been entertained. 

Major General Wheeler arrived in Savannah to- 
day and reported that he had transferred most of 
his command to the left bank of the Savannah 
river where he was engaged in holding the enemy 
in check and keeping open our line of retreat. 
General Iverson, with some six hundred men and 
a section of artillery, had been detached to operate 
on the right and rear of Sherman's army. 

Artillery firing and sharp-shooting continued 
during the day without any marked results. 

December 15th. The enemy was busily engaged 
in strengthening his positions in front of our works, 
erecting new and more formidable batteries, deve- 
loping additional lines of artillery fire, and render- 
ing his communications with his right flank more 
facile. 

To-day Beaulieu battery was shelled by two 
mortar boats and two gun-boats, and from a rifle 
gun posted on the point of Greene island. This 



136 

bombardment continued at intervals for several 
days, but proved entirely innocuous. 

Two regiments of Gen. Geary's division occupied 
the upper end of Hutchinson's island, and Carman's 
brigade was pushed forward to Argyle island. 

Our artillery fire to-day was unusually effective, 
several batteries of the enemy being either silenced 
or materially injured. 

Several of our guns were disabled ; but, during 
the night, were again put in working order. 

Sand-bags were freely distributed at important 
points along the line, and materially contributed 
to the protection of our artillerists. 

Eelief associations had been formed among such 
of the citizens of Savannah as were incapable of 
taking their places in the trenches, and they min- 
istered carefully to the wants of the sick and the 
wounded. Of the latter, thirty-three were now 
lying in general hospital in Savannah. 

Decemher 16th. This day was marked by an 
increase of artillery and infantry fire, which had 
now become incessant. On the part of the Con- 
federates, however, as a matter of economy, it was 
maintained with deliberation. 

General Ferguson's brigade of dismounted cav- 
alry arrived and was assigned a position on the line. 

Heavy skirmishing occurred between General 
P. M. B. Young's command and the Federals on 



13T 

Argyle island. In the effort to advance in the 
direction of the Confederate line of communication 
with the Carolina shore, the enemy was repulsed 
with considerable loss. The fighting along the 
rice dams was obstinate and bloody. As the reten- 
tion of this route was essential to the safety of the 
troops engaged in the defense of Savannah, all 
General Wheeler's available forces, assisted by 
Young's troops and such of the South Carolina 
light batteries as could be spared from points along 
the Charleston and Savannah rail road, were con- 
centrated for its protection. By these troops all 
attempts of the enemy to move upon our line were 
stubbornly and successfully resisted.-^ 

On the night of the 16th a sergeant and fifteen 
men of Brooks's foreign battalion, constituting a 
part of Gen. Mercer's command of Major General 
Wright's division, having forced the pickets on the 
causeway in front of Battery Simkins, deserted to 
the enemy with their arms and accoutrements. 
Two other privates of the same command were 

1 In these skirmishes on the left bank of the Savannah river, 
Captain F. E. Eve, of Gen. Young's command, displayed con- 
spicuous gallantry, and the brave Captaia Smith was mortally 
wounded while leading a charge. Major Puckett of the 
Phillips's Legion, in endeavoring with a force of 250 men to 
dislodge the Federals on Rose's and Izard's plantations, was 
severely wounded in the neck. 
18 



138 

captured while endeavoring to make their way 
through the lines. It having been clearly as- 
certained the next day that the members of this 
battalion had concerted a plan to desert in a 
body, having resolved not only to buck and 
gag and take their officers with them but also to 
spike the guns in batteries Wheeler and Sim- 
kins, overpower the infantry supports and, forcing 
the pickets, carry them also to the enemy, their 
camp was suddenly surrounded by detachments 
from the 55th Georgia, and by Jackson's Augusta 
battalion, and two field-guns loaded with canister 
were brought to bear upon it. The men were de- 
prived of their arms, and the ringleaders, five in 
number — orderly sergeants of companies — were 
seized. These, and the two privates apprehended 
the previous night in the act of deserting to the 
enemy, were tried by a drum-head court martial, 
on their own confession convicted of mutiny and 
intended desertion to the enemy, sentenced, and 
executed. The battalion was marched under guard 
to Savannah where it was closely watched during 
the rest of the sie2;e. The members of the batta- 
lion were nearly all, if not entirely, foreigners, and 
had been enlisted from the ranks of Federal pri- 
soners. 

Decemher 17th. General Beauregard arrived in 
Savannah to-day. After full conference, Lieut. 



139 

Genl. Hardee's dispositions were sanctionedj and 
the arrangements which were progressing for the 
evacuation of the city and the preservation of its 
garrison were approved. 

Heavy artillery firing continued all along our 
western defenses. Against the line at Daly's farm 
the enemy made a forcible demonstration which 
was repulsed. After a sharp duel of nearly two 
hours a Federal battery was silenced by our Salt 
creek battery. 

To-day General Sherman demanded the sur- 
render of Savannah and its dependent forts. This 
demand was conveyed under flag of truce which 
approached our line by the Augusta road. Gene- 
ral Sherman had returned on the 15th to his 
command before Savannah, and was, at the time, 
at the head quarters of General Slocum on the 
Augusta road. 

That demand was couched in the following 
language. 

Head Quarters Military Division of the Mis- 
sissippi, in the Field near Savannah, Ga., 
December 17th, 1864. 
General Wm. J. Hardee, 

Commanding Confederate Forces in Savannah. 
General : 

You have doubtless observed from your station at 
Rosedew that sea going vessels now come through 



140 

Ossabaw sound and up Ogeecbee to the rear of my 
army, giving me abundant supplies of all kinds, and 
more especially heavy ordnance necessary to the re- 
duction of Savannah. I have already received guns 
that can cast heavy and destructive shot as far as the 
heart of your city, also I have for some days held and 
controlled every avenue by which the people and 
garrison of Savannah can be supplied, and I am there- 
fore justified in demanding the surrender of the city 
of Savannah and its dependent forts, and shall await a 
reasonable time your answer, before opening with 
heavy ordnance. Should you entertain the proposition, 
I am prepared to grant liberal terms to the inhabitants 
and garrison, bat should I be forced to resort to assault, 
or the slower and surer process of starvation, I shall 
then feel justified in resorting to the harshest measures, 
and shall make little effort to restrain my army burning 
to avenge the great national wrong they attach to 
Savannah and other large cities which have been so 
prominent in dragging our country into civil war. I 
enclose you a copy of General Hood's demand for the 
surrender of the town of Resacca, to be used by you 
for what it is worth. 

I have the honor to be, 
Your obedient servant, 
W. T. Sherman, 
Major General. 



141 

To this demand General Hardee, on the 18 th, 
returned the following response : 



Head Quarters Department S. C, Ga. & 

'Florida, Savannah, Ga., Dec. 17th, 1864. 
Major General W. T. Sherman, 

Commanding Federal Forces, near Savannah, Ga. 
General : 

I have to acknowledge receipt of a communication 
from you, of this date, in which you demand " the sur- 
render of Savannah and its dependent forts," on the 
ground that you " have received guns that can cast heavy 
and destructive shot into the heart of the city ;" and for 
the further reason that you " have for some days held 
and controlled every avenue by which the people and 
garrison can be supplied." You add, that should you 
" be forced to resort to assault or to the slower and surer 
process of starvation, you will then feel justified in 
resorting to the harshest measures, and will make 
little eftbrt to restrain your army, etc., etc." 

The position of your forces half a mile beyond the 
outer line for the land defense of Savannah, is, at the 
nearest point, at least four miles from the heart of the 
city. That and the interior line are both intact. 

Your statement that you have, for some days, held 
and controlled every avenue by which the people and 
garrison can be supplied, is incorrect. I am in free 
and constant communication with my department. 



142 

Your demand for the surrender of Savannah audits 
dependent forts is refused. 

With respect to the threats conveyed iu the closing 
paragraph of your letter of what may be expected in 
case your demand is not complied with, I have to say 
that I have hitherto conducted the military operations 
entrusted to my direction in strict accordance with the 
rules of civilized warfare, and I should deeply regret 
the adoption of any course by you that may force me 
to deviate from them in future. 
I have the honor to be, 

Yery respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. J. Hardee, 
Lieutenant General. 



Upon receipt of this refusal to surrender, Gene- 
ral Sherman, leaving instructions with General 
Slocum to place siege guns in position as rapidly 
as they arrived and to prepare for an assault upon 
the Confederate lines, passed rapidly to the right 
of his army and, proceeding to Port Royal, ar- 
ranged for the reenforcement of General Foster 
v^hose lodgment on the peninsula between the 
Coosawhatchie and Tullifinney rivers has already 
been noticed. Busied with plans for cutting the 
only line of retreat open to the Confederates, he 
v^as not present with his army w^hen Savannah 
was evacuated, and in his official report expresses 



143 

much disappointment at the escape of General 
Hardee and the Savannah garrison. 

The truth is, in all these operations there was 
a want of energy, a lack of prompt action on the 
part of the United States forces, and a hesitancy in 
the face of obstacles wholly unjustifiable. Such 
was the power of the investing army, and such the 
strength of the expedition demonstrating against 
the Charleston and Savannah rail road, that with 
ordinary activity and persistence the Confederate 
line of retreat could have been cut and Savannah 
wholly isolated and forced to surrender at discre- 
tion. General Hardee appears to have known his 
antagonist well, and to have anticipated his con- 
duct most fully, else he would not have remained 
within the lines at Savannah as long as he did.^^ 

The transfer of heavy guns from Port Koyal, 



1 At the time this demand was made for the surrender of Sa- 
vannah, Gen. Sherman had no heavy guns in position with which 
to bombard the city. His menace, in that respect, was a hrutum 
fulmen. His other threat that in case of a refusal to surrender, 
he would " make little effort to restrain his army, burning to 
revenge," etc., was nothing new, but was entirely characteristic 
of the man. His language was usually extravagant. He sat out, 
to repeat his own words, to " make Georgia howl," and it was 
not to be expected that the garrison defending Savannah, had 
it fallen into his hands, would have been the recipient of humane, 
magnanimous treatment. 



144 

from the fleet, and from Fort McAllister, was ac- 
complished by means of the great Ogeechee river 
and the Savannah and Ogeechee canal. According 
to the Federal accounts, during the 18th, 19th and 
20th of December arrangements were being per- 
fected for a bombardment of the city-^ and a pow- 
erful assault upon the Confederate lines. Strong 
field works for the heavy guns were constructed at 
commanding points, and field-guns were masked in 
some instances within one hundred and fifty yards 
of our entrenchments. Light bridges and fiiscines 
were accumulated with which to span the deepest 
portions of the inundated fields and fill up the 
ditches and canals. It is claimed that everything 
was in readiness on the evening of the 20th, and 
that the capture of the garrison of Savannah was 
confidently anticipated. General Sherman had 
left orders that the assault should not be undertaken 
until his return, and he had not yet made his ap- 
pearance. 

' To counteract this intention, an order was issued for the 
transfer of some ten-inch mortars frorij the Confederate fixed 
batteries, and their location at Williamson's place and at other 
convenient points along the western line nearest the city of 
Savannah. The early evacuation of the city, however, and the 
more pressing duties consequent upon an anticipation of that 
important movement effectually prevented the execution of this 
order. The city was never bombarded by the Federals. 



145 



CHAPTER IX. 

Progress of the Siege — Maj. Genl. Wheeler's Cavalry Operations 
on the Left Bank of the Savannah and in Hear of the Federal 
Army — Confidential Circulars from Lieut. Genl. Hardee's 
Head Quarters directing the Evacuation of Savaimah — 
Evacuation of the City — Order in which the Confederate 
Forces were Withdrawn — Good Conduct of the Troops — 
Movement successfully concealed from the lljneray, until fully 
Accomplished — Jjine of Retreat — Heavy Guns disabled, 
Ammunition destroyed, and the Naval Vessels in the River 
burnt and sunk — Reports of Coin. Anderson commanding 
the River and Shore Batteries, and of Lieut. Coin Jones, 
Chief of Artillery — Genl. B>auregard's Orders for the Dis- 
position of the Confederate Forces after their Retreat from 
Savannah — Formal Surrender of the City hy the Mayor 
on the Morning ofthe2lst of December, 186J: — The Federals 
occupy Savannah. 

December 19th. Three Federal regiments, after 
a sharp skirmish with our cavalry, succeeded in 
securing a position at and beyond Izard's mill. 
During the day constant firing occurred at this 
point, and the Confederate cavalry was busily oc- 
cupied in preventing the advance of the enemy 
reenforced during the afternoon by two more 
regiments and at night by two pieces of light 
artillery. In order the more effectually to check 
the Federal advance, the rice fields were flooded 
to the depth of some eighteen inches. Movements 
therefore, were made by the flanks and along the 
19 



146 

dams, and the Confederates stoutly and effectually 
resisted all approaches in these directions. We 
had also burnt the plantation bridges across the 
canals. The line now held by the Federals on the 
left bank of the Savannah was about two miles 
in length, extending from the Savannah river 
near Izard's mill to an inlet near Clysedale creek. 
During the 20th Colonel Carman, from the direc- 
tion of Clysedale creek, made an effort to strike 
the Savannah and Hardeeville road, but was 
vigorously repulsed and never renewed the at- 
tempt. 

In order to confine the enemy to the position 
occupied by them and preclude any advance in the 
direction of our contemplated line of retreat. Gene- 
ral Wheeler kept a strong force of skirmishers 
behind barricades and sufficiently near the Fede- 
rals to maintain a warm and effective infantry 
fire. His remaining troops in that vicinity were 
occupied in building several successive lines of 
works between the skirmish line and the route 
selected for retiring the garrison. When these 
works were completed, a strong force both of dis- 
mounted cavalry and of light artillery was thrown 
forward to the positions previously occupied by 
our skirmishers. So warmly was the enemy me- 
naced by our infantry and artillery fire, that the 
Federals confined themselves carefully to their for- 



147 

tified positions and never again endeavored to 
advance until after the evacuation of Savannah. 

While these operations were in progress on the 
left bank of the Savannah river, Major General 
Wheeler, with Humes's and Allen's divisions of 
cavalry, was maintaining a line extending from 
Screven's ferry to Hardee ville, including the 
sources of New river, Tunbridge and Mongin's 
landings. All points were guarded by which the 
enemy could threaten the road from Screven's 
ferry to Hardee ville. Brig. Genl. Iverson was at 
Springfield, commanding a line of observation ex- 
tending from the mouth of the Alatamaha river 
to the great Ogeechee, across that stream, and in 
rear of the Federal army to the Savannah river near 
the mouth of Ebenezer creek. Lieut. Coin. Hood 
with an irregular command, and Brig. Genl. McCoy 
of the Georgia militia, reported to Genl. Iverson 
and assisted in establishing this line. After the 
fall of Savannah this line was perpetuated, its 
left being withdrawn to Graham ville. It was 
maintained — our pickets being constantly engaged 
with the enemy's scouting parties and foragers — 
until Sherman moved in force from Savannah upon 
his march through the Carolinas. In the imme- 
diate protection of the line of retreat across the 
Savannah river and along the rice-dams on the 
Carolina shore, the commands of Generals P. M. B. 



148 

Young and Robert H. Anderson were chiefly en- 
gaged. 

In holding our position on the left bank of the 
Savannah, the naval vessels present in the river 
rendered material assistance. 

Anticipating the completion of the pontoon 
bridges at an earlier hour on the 19 th, Lieut. 
Genl. Hardee published the following 

Confidential Ch'cular. 

Head Qrs. Savannah, 
Dec. 19, 1864. 

1. The troops in and around Savannah will be 
transferred to-night to the left bank of the Savannah 
river, and will proceed thence to Hardeeville. 

2. At dark the light batteries will, under the direc- 
tion of Lt. Coin. Jones, chf. of arty., be withdrawn 
hy hand from their positions in line, with as little noise 
as possible, and will be sent over the pontoon bridge 
to Hardeeville. 

3. The troops at Whitemarsh, Fort Jackson, and 
Bartow, will be assembled at Fort Jackson by 9 p. m. 
and thence will proceed at once, via Screven's ferry, 
to Hardeeville. 

4. The troops at Rosedew, Beaulieu, etc., will leave 
their positions at dark, and, marching to Savannah, 
will cross at Screven's ferry. 

5. Maj. General "Wright's division will be with- 
drawn from the lines at 8 o'clock p. m. and will pass 
the river on the pontoons. 



149 

6. Maj. General McLaws's division will be drawn 
from its position at 11 o'clock p. m. and will cross the 
river on the pontoons. 

7. Maj. General Smith's Division will be withdrawn 
at 12 o'clock, and will cross on the pontoons. 

8. The lines of skirmishers will be left in position 
as follows: "Wright's line until lOJ o'clock, McLaws's 
line until llj o'clock, Smith's line until 2 o'clock. 

9. The pontoon bridges are placed in charge of 
Colonel Clark, chief of engineers, who will destroy 
the bridges after all the troops shall have crossed ; and, 
to enable him to ascertain this, the skirmishers of each 
division will be placed in charge of an intelligent 
staff-officer who will report to Colonel Clark at the 
pontoon bridge when the skirmishers of their respective 
commands shall have passed the river. 

10. The chief of artillery will take measures to 
have the heavy guns in position spiked or otherwise 
rendered useless as follows : on Wright's line at 10 
o'clock, on McLaws's line at 11 o'clock, on Smith's 
line at 12 o'clock. 

11. The ammunition will be destroyed by throwing 
it into the river or otherwise, and woi by blowing it up. 

12. The guns on the inner line will be spiked or 
destroyed, and all powder in the city magazine will be 
made useless by having water thrown on it. 

13. All wagons will be sent into the city in time to 
cross the pontoons at dark. 

By command of 

Lt. Genl. Hardee. 
T. B. KoT, A. A. Genl. 



150 

Heavy fogs having materially retarded the work 
upon the pontoon bridges across the middle and 
back rivers, and it being apparent that they could 
not be finished in season to permit the convenient 
execution of the foregoing orders at the time con- 
templated, they were countermanded and were on 
the morning of the 20th revived by this second 
circular. 

Confidential Circular I^o. 2. 

Head Quarters Savannah, 

20th Deer., 1864. 
The movement ordered in Confidential Circular from 
these Hd. Qrs. dated 19th Deer., 1864, will be executed 
to-night at the hours as originally arranged, and not 
as subsequently amended; that is, 

"Wright's division will move at 8 o'clock, McLaws's 
division at 10 o'clock, and Smith's division at 11 
o'clock, and Wright's skirmishers will be withdrawn 
at 10| o'clock, McLaws's skirmishers at 12J o'clock, 
and Smith's skirmishers at 1 o'clock. 
By command of 

Lt. Genl. Hardee. 
T. B. Rot, A. A. G. 

During the 19th and 20th our artillery and in- 
fantry fire was heavier than it had been on any 
previous days. Aware of the fact that the hour 
of evacuation was at hand, a more liberal ex- 
penditure of ammunition was allowed, and the 



151 

fire of our artillery increased at every available 
point until the shades of evening on the 20th 
settled upon the contending lines. In obedience 
to orders from artillery head quarters, the ammu- 
nition chests of the light batteries were thoroughly 
replenished, and all available animals were engaged 
for retiring such of the unattached guns as could 
be transported. All field guns of inferior calibre 
were exchanged for superior pieces where they 
could be secured. 

On the evening of the 19th an order was issued 
for the evacuation of Whitemarsh island. After 
spiking the guns and destroying the carriages and 
ammunition at Turner's rocks, Gibson's points 
and on the line of the lunettes across the island 
without attracting the notice of the enemy, the 
troops from this locality were dispatched across the 
pontoon bridges over the Savannah river to coope- 
rate with General Wheeler in holding the enemy 
in check on the Carolina shore. Upon this retreat 
all bridges connecting Whitemarsh island with the 
main were destroyed. 

The garrisons from the Savannah river batteries, 
Fort Bartow, and Thunderbolt, having thoroughly 
spiked the guns and destroyed the carriages and 
ammunition at those points, concentrated at Fort 
Jackson at 8 o'clock on the evening of the 20th, 
under the command of Colonel Edward C. Ander- 



152 

son, were conveyed by steamer to Screven's ferry, 
and marched the same night to Hardeeville. The 
crew of the Confederate iron clad battery Georgia, 
under command of Captain Washington Gwath- 
mey, was also conveyed across the Savannah river 
with Colonel Anderson's artillerists — the vessel 
having been first scuttled by her officers. 

Having executed the orders for the destruction 
of the carriages and ammunition and for spiking 
the guns, the garrisons of the Isle of Hope, Beau- 
lieu, and Rosedew batteries repaired to Savannah 
and crossed the pontoon bridges on the night of 
the 20th. The troops from the Isle of Hope being 
dismounted cavalry, reported for duty to General 
Wheeler on the Carolina shore, while the artiller- 
ists from Beaulieu and Rosedew marched forward 
to Hardeeville. 

That the guns in these fixed batteries were as 
completely disabled as the nature of the case per- 
mitted, and their ammunition and equipments de- 
stroyed, appears by the following report of Colonel 

Anderson. 

" Charleston, Dec. 31, 1864. 
Lt. Coin. T. B. Roy, A. A. G. 
Colonel : 
In reply to your communication of the SOtli inst. I 
have the honor to state, that all the guns at the heavy 
batteries under my command in the District of Georgia, 
with the exception of one 32-pounder, on Hutchinson's 



153 

island (unfit for service) were thoroughly spiked, the 
carriages cut and otherwise rendered useless, the truck 
and maneuvering wheels thrown into the river, and 
the eccentric axles deranged. All the ammunition, 
averaging one hundred and odd rounds per gun, in- 
cluding friction primers, fuzes and projectiles, as far as 
practicable, were also thrown into the river or moats. 
Handspikes, rammers, sponges, and other ordnance 
stores were broken up and destroyed. 

I am Colonel, 

Yery respectfully, 

Your obdt servt, 
Edwd, C. Anderson, 
Coin. Comdg. 

The troops from the western lines were quietly 
withdrawn in the order and at the hours indicated 
in the circulars issued by the lieutenant general 
for the evacuation of the city. No confusion pre- 
vailed, and the movement was executed silently 
and in good order. Guns were spiked, and ammu- 
nition destroyed as far as this could conveniently be 
done without attracting the notice of the enemy in 
our immediate front. To conceal the movement, 
occasional firing was kept up until the latest moment. 
Forty-nine pieces of artillery, with limbers, cais- 
sons, forges, battery wagons, and baggage wagons, 
were safely transported over the pontoon bridges. 
20 



154 

A single battery wagon was lost. Through some 
negligence of the driver it got off the bridge. The 
horses attached to it were saved. No interruption 
was encountered at the hand of the enemy, and the 
Confederate army rendezvoused the next day at 
Hardeeville, South Carolina. 

The field return on the morning of the 20th of 
December, 1864, showed in the trenches, on detail 
duty, and in the fixed batteries along the water 
approaches to the city, an aggregate of 9089 men 
of all arms and of all sorts, present for duty. 

The Ladies Gun-boat, or iron-clad Georgia, 
was sunk at her moorings, abreast of Fort Jackson, 
on the night of the 20th. 

The iron clad Savannah, Captain Brent, being 
unable to proceed to sea in consequence of the tor- 
pedoes in the river and a strong gale setting form 
the north-east, after having on the morning of the 
21st remained for some time in the neighborhood 
of Screven's ferry where a detail was engaged in 
the removal of some quarter master and commis- 
sary stores, and having returned the artillery fire 
of the enemy from the bay, was set on fire, and 
sunk nearly opposite Willink's ship yard. 

The steamers Isondiga and Fire Fly were 
burned by the Confederates in Back river. 

Several gun-boats, which were in process of con- 
struction, were burned on the stocks. 



155 

The gun-boats Macon, Sampson, and Resolute, 
had been dispatched up the river prior to the 
siege, and the capture of the Ida has already been 
noticed. 

The gallant Commodore Tattnall, having in per- 
son superintended the destruction of most of his 
vessels, led his sailors and mariners to Hardee ville , 
marching at their head although suffering severely 
from rheumatism. 

In order to deaden the sound, rice straw was 
thickly strewn over the pontoon bridges. By three 
o'clock on the morning of the 21st the rear guard of 
the Confederate army had crossed over to Hutchin- 
son's island, and the evacuation was complete. 
Engineer troops shortly afterwards detached the 
flats, cutting holes in them and setting them adrift. 
Lieut. Col. Paul of Gen. Hardee's staff was ordered 
by the general, at midnight on the 20 th, to take 
command of a small force, and, after seeing that 
the pontoon bridge from the foot of West Broad 
street to Hutchinson's island was destroyed, to col- 
lect such stragglers as he could and cross by way 
of Screven's ferry. This command was detailed to 
preserve order in the city to the latest moment. 

No disturbances occurred, however, during the 
night. Just before sunrise he withdrew his pickets, 
and, having collected all stragglers who were will- 
ing to accompany him, embarked on board the 



156 

steamer Swan for Screven's ferry. As this little 
boat got fairly under way, the advance guard of 
the enemy appeared on the bay. 

The work of destroying the ammunition on the 
western lines was not commenced until after the 
withdrawal of the infantry, and was performed 
with great caution by the artillerists. The guns 
were not spiked until the last moment, and, with 
several rounds of ammunition, were kept ready 
for action while the ammunition and equipments 
were being rendered useless. 

The following is the report made by the chief 
of artillery. 

Head Quarters Department of South CaroHna, 
Georgia and Florida, Charleston, S. C. 

December 30th, 1864. 
Lt Coin. T. B. Roy, 

A. A. Gr., etc., etc. 
Colonel : 

In response to your communication of this date 
calling for a report of the spiking of guns and the 
destruction of ammunition on the outer and inner 
lines of Savannah on the night of the evacuation, I 
have the honor to state that all the guns left in position 
were spiked and disabled, and their carriages de- 
stroyed as far as practicable. The ammunition on the 
lines was also destroyed and rendered perfectly useless, 
the greater portion of it having been thrown into 
water. 



157 

Forty- nine field pieces were withdrawn and safely 
transported over the pontoon bridges. Others would 
have been brought off, but in the removal of the guns 
mentioned all available transportation was exhausted. 
I am confident that every effort which could be 
employed was used in disabling and rendering val ueless 
the guns and ammunition left upon the lines of the 
city of Savannah on the night of the 20th inst. 
I have the honor to be, Colonel, 

Yery respectfully, etc., etc., 
Your obdt. servant, 
Charles C. Jones, jr., 

Lieut. Coin. & Chief of Artillery 
during the siege and evacuation of Savannah. 



Upon his arrival at Hardeeville Lieutenant 
General Hardee received the following orders, 
which were issued and observed in due course. 

Hd. Qrs. Mil. Divn. of the West, 
Focoialigo, S. C, Dec. 20, 1861. 
Lieut. Genl. W. J. Hardee, Commdg., etc., 

Hardeeville, S. C. 
General : 

I am directed by the general commanding to for- 
ward to you the accompanying memorandum of orders 
which he wishes you to issue immediately after the 
evacuation of Savannah. They are designed to carry 
out his views as to the best disposition of troops under 
your command, for the defease of Charleston and the 



158 

state of South Carolina generally — Savannali being in 
the possession of the enemy. 

Maj. Genl. G-. W. Smith's command (about two 
thousand (2000 men) being sent to Augusta, will leave 
of the troops coming from Savannah about six thousand 
five hundred; which, added to those under the immedi- 
ate command of Maj. Genl. Sam Jones on the line of 
the Savannah and Charleston rail road — say about five 
thousand five hundred (5500) exclusive of those in and 
around Charleston — make about twelve thousand 
(12,000) troops. Of these, he thinks there should be 
about two thousand five hundred (2500) to guard the 
left bank of the Combahee, with about one thousand 
in reserve at a central point between the Combahee 
and Ashepoo. 

About three thousand five hundred (3500) in the 
4th sub district, with about one thousand of them in 
reserve at or near Adams's run and Green pond, and 
about five thousand (5000) in the 2d and 3d sub dis- 
tricts in addition to those already there. The cavalry 
guarding the left (or coast) flank, and the front and 
right flanks, may, of course, be used to support the 
troops to which they are nearest. 

The orders indicated in the accompanying memo- 
randum will make a distribution approximating to 
those numbers as nearly as circumstances will permit. 
In carrying them out it will be necessary that you 
should send promptly the troops carried to Hardee- 
ville by Brig. Genl. Taliaferro to rejoin their respective 
brigades, and the detached companies or battalions of 
S. C. reserves and militia to report to Brig. Genl. 



159 

Cliesnut at Grahamville, and the companies of the 
3d S. C. cavalry under CoL Colcock to unite with 
those now In front of Grahamville and near Coosaw- 
hatchie and Pocotaligo, and Kirk's squadron, together 
with the section of horse artillery attached to the 3d 
S. C. cavalry. 

Endeavor to bring and keep together, as far as prac- 
ticable, the troops of the same organization. 
Yery respectfully, 

Your obdt. servt., 

A. E. Chisolm, a. D. C. 



Hd. Qrs. Mil. Divn., of the West, 

Focotaligo, Dec. 20, 1864. 

Memorandum of orders to be issued by Lt. Genh 
Hardee immediately after the evacuation of Savannah. 

I. Maj. Getil. G. W. Smith will proceed immediately 
with his command to Charleston, and thence to Au- 
gusta, after being relieved by other troops as herein- 
after directed. 

II. Maj. Genl. McLaws's division (the senior briga- 
dier commdg.), and Coin. Anderson's brigade pre- 
ceding, will proceed immediately to Charleston and 
relieve Maj. Genl. G. W". Smith's division. 

III. Maj. Genl. Wright's division, and Brig. Genl, 
Chesnut's command (about 1500 men) consisting of 
S. C. reserves and 2d, 3d and 4th S. C. militia, to the 
4th military sub district ; a reserve of about 300 men 
being stationed at Green pond, and another of like 
number near Adams's run. Brig. Genl. Robertson 



160 

will report to Maj. Genl. Wright for temporary duty 
to advise as to disposition of troops, and then to be 
assigned to duty as circumstances may require. 

IV. Coin. Geo. P. Harrison's a'nd Col. A. C. 
Edwards's brigades to be stationed on the left bank of 
the Combahee, guarding the several passages (about 
six) across that river to Barnwell court house. Brig. 
Genl. Young's command, to be increased by the 7th 
Ga. cavalry (dismounted) Coin. E. C. Anderson jr., 
commdg. as reserves at or near Blue house between 
the Combahee and Aghepoo rivers. 

Y. The 3d S. C. cavalry and Kirk's squadron will 
cover the left (or coast) flank of the retiring troops. 
After crossing the Combahee, Maj. Jno. Jenkins with 
Captn. Seabrook's and Peeble's companies 3d S. C. 
cavalry, will take post on John's island; and Captn. 
Kirk's squadron will proceed via Charleston to Christ 
Church Parish and take post near and north east of 
Mount Pleasant. 

YI. Maj. Genl. Wheeler's corps (that part of it east 
of Savannah river, and the remainder, if it should 
come up) will guard crossings of the Savannah and 
New rivers aud the landings east of Screven's causeway, 
until forced by the enemy to retire. He will then 
guard and defend the country between the Savannah 
river and the defensive line of the Combahee and the 
right flank of thatline, restingat or near Barnwell court 
house and extending by the shortest defensible line 
to the Savannah river, covering Augusta. 

YII. Col. Gonzales will assign the field artillery now 
in South Carolina to the most appropriate position for 



161 

the defense of the 4th sub district and the line of the 
Combaheefrom Salkehatchie bridge to the coast, taking 
care to assign the batteries to the positions with which 
their respective commanders are most familiar. He 
will assign, subject to Genl. Hardee's approval, the 
field batteries comingfrom Savannah as circumstances 
may indicate, for the best defense of the line of the 
Combahee, the 4th sub district, and Augusta. 

VIII. As soon asthe services of Brig. Genl. Taliaferro 
can be spared from the duty on which he is now en- 
gaged, he will proceed to James's island and resume his 
former command, assigning to their appropriate posi- 
tions the troops of Maj. Genl. McLaws's division and 
Col. Anderson's brigade destined for that island. 

IX. As soon as Maj. Genl. McLaws's division moves 
from Hardeeville, he will immediately proceed to 
Pocotaligo and relieve Maj. Genl. Sam. Jones, and 
take the immediate command of the troops on the line 
of the Combahee. 

X. On being relieved by Maj. Genl. McLaws, Maj. 
Genl. Jones will proceed to Charleston and resume 
his command and enter on the duties designated by 
S. 0. Ho. — fromDeptmt. Hd. Qrs. 

XL As the cavalry retires before the enemy it will 
drive off all cattle, sheep, and hogs not necessary for 
its consumption, and impress and send to Charleston, 
to be turned over to the chief engineer, all negroes 
capable of bearing arms. It will also destroy all mills, 
boats, buildings (that may be useful to the enemy for 
military purposes), and all rice, corn and other provi- 
sions not necessary for its own subsistence, beyond 
21 



162 

snch as is absolutely necessary for the consumption of 
the owners and their families and slaves. 

XII. All teams and wagons (with their drivers) on 
plantations about to fall into the hands of the enemy, 
not required by their owners, shall be impressed for 
the use of the army. 



Having seen to the disposition of his troops in 
substantial compliance with the foregoing general 
instructions, the lieutenant general repaired to 
Charleston where he established his head quarters. 
By reason of the lack of transportation many of 
the Confederate sick and wounded were left in 
hospital when Savannah was evacuated. 

Although, during the night of the 20th General 
Geary reported to General Williams, commanding 
the 20th army corps, that the Confederate move- 
ment across the Savannah river was in progress, 
the only instructions issued to division commanders 
were to keep on the alert and press their pickets 
closer to the Confederate works. Our fire, main- 
tained until the moment when our forces were 
withdrawn from the western lines, seems at once 
to have intimidated the enemy and to have con- 
fused them with regard to our real intentions 

It was not until half past three o'clock on the 
morning of the 21st that our evacuation of the 
western line was discovered. Orders were at once 



163 

issued to advance the pickets on the left of the 
Federal lines and to press forward into the city. 
By six o'clock A. m., General Geary's division had 
entered without opposition, and the city of Savan- 
nah was in the possession of the Federals. Two 
regiments were detached to occupy Fort Jackson 
and the works below the city. General Geary 
was temporarily assigned to the command of Sa- 
vannah, and his division encamped within the 
city limits. Just outside the city limits, near 
the junction of the Louisville and Augusta roads, 
and about half past four o'clock in the morn- 
ing of the 21st, the Hon. Eichard D. Arnold, mayor 
of Savannah, and a delegation from the board of 
aldermen, bearing a flag of truce, met Brig. Genl. 
John W. Geary and through him made formal 
surrender to the commanding general, of the city 
of Savannah now evacuated by the Confederates. 
In behalf of the citizens and their property the 
may orrequested suitable protection at the hands 
of the Federal commander. Although the city of 
Savannah was for some time held as a military 
post and in large measure adapted to military uses, 
he mayor and council were permitted to exercise 
their functions, and the municipal organization, in 
its important branches, was preserved. 



164 



CHAPTER X. 

JEJxtravogant and Unjustifiahle Destruction of Property along 
the Line of March — Comparison between the Conduct of 
Confederate and Federal Invading Armies — Shei^man's 
Violations of the Accepted Rules of Civilized Warfare — 
Wanton Insidts, Wholesale Plunder, and Barbarous Treat- 
ment of 'Unarmed Citizens and Defenseless Women, Children 
and Negroes, by Federal Soldiery — The Conduct of the 
P(ji/alist Prevost in 1779 outheroded in 1864 by that of the 
Republican "herma7i — The Campaign criticised as a Mili- 
tary Movement — Its Success entirely attributable to the 
Weakness of the Confederacy — Federal and Confederate 
Losses — Capture of Savannah in 1778 — The Evacuation 
of the City, under the Circumstances, a Severe Reflection 
upon the Activity and Skill of the Federal Commander^ and a 
marked Achievement on the part of the Confederates. 

After alluding to the almost total demolition of 
the Central rail road from Gordon to Savannah, 
and the partial destruction of the Macon and 
Western, the Augusta and Waynesboro, the 
Charleston and Savannah, and the Atlantic and 
Gulf railways, General Sherman in his ofl&cial re- 
port says : " We have also consumed the corn and 
fodder in the region of country thirty miles on 
either side of a line from Atlanta to Savannah, 
as also the sweet potatoes, cattle, hogs, sheep and 
poultry, and have carried away more than ten 
thousand horses and mules, as well as a countless 
number of their slaves. I estimate the damage 



165 

done to the state of Georgia and its military re- 
sources at one hundred millions of dollars;, at least 
twenty millions of which have inured to our advan- 
tage, and the remainder is simple waste and destruc- 
tion} This may seem a hard species of warfare, 
but it brings the sad realities of war home to those 
who have been directly or indirectly instrumental 
in involving us in its attendant calamities." 

Contrast this official confession with the address 
of Major General Early to the citizens of York, 
when his invading columns were passing over 
Pennsylvania soil : " I have abstained from burn- 
ing the rail road buildings and car-shops in your 
town because, after examination, I am satisfied 
that the safety of the town would be endangered. 
Acting in the spirit of humanity which has ever 
characterized my government and its military 
authorities, I do not desire to involve the innocent 
in the same punishment with the guilty. Had I 
applied the torch without regard to consequences, 
I would have pursued a course which would have 
been fully vindicated as an act of just retaliation 
for the unparalleled acts of brutality perpetrated 
by your own army on our own soil. But we do not 
war upon women and children." 

1 The total value, at this tiaie, and upon a specie basis, of the 
taxable property in Greorgia, including lands and slaves, did not 
exceed $650,000,000. 



166 

Compare general orders number 72 of the im- 
mortal Lee, redolent, even amid the smoke and 
carnage of the hottest warfare, of exalted civiliza- 
tion and generous humanity, with the atrocious 
proclamations of General Butler or the vandal acts 
of Sheridan, and then listen to the words of Poly- 
bius, spoken when the world was two thousand 
years younger than it now is, and uttered not in 
the tone of passion and hate so rife in his day, but 
in inculcation of the soundest lessons of political 
and moral wisdom : " When men proceed to wreak 
their fury on senseless objects whose destruction 
will neither be of advantage to themselves nor in 
the slightest degree disable their opponent from 
carrying on the war, especially if they burn the 
temples of the gods, destroy their statues, and 
waste their ornamental furniture, what else can 
we say of such proceedings except that they are 
the acts of men devoid of all feelings of propriety, 
and infected by frenzy ? For it is in no way the 
object of war, at least among men who have just 
notions of their duty, to annihilate and utterly 
subvert those from whom they may have received 
provocation, but to induce them to amend that in 
which they have acted amiss, not to involve the 
innocent and guilty in one common ruin, but rather 
to save them both. We may also observe that it 
is the act of a tyrant only, who hates and is hated 



167 

by his subjects, to exact by force and terror a re- 
luctant and unwilling obedience." 

While it is admitted that the chief of an army 
may levy contributions on the enemy's country in 
order to compass the maintenance of his troops, 
while he may forage for corn, hay, and provisions 
when circumstances render it impossible to pro- 
ceed in the regular way of taxation, it is absolutely 
obligatory upon a commander who is actuated by 
sentiments of honor and observes the recognized 
rules of civilized warfare, that he take from the 
enemy " only what he strictly wants," and that he 
adopt all possible means to prevent extortion or 
personal violence at the hands of his subordinates. 
" He is guilty of revolting cruelty who permits his 
soldiers to put inhabitants of a belligerent nation to 
torture or otherwise subject them to bad treatment 
to force them to disclose the places where their 
w^ealth or provisions are concealed." Nothing 
may be taken as personal booty. " Excepting the 
cases of taxation, contribution or absolute necessity, 
international law commands that all property, 
personal and real, belonging to individuals, be 
scrupulously respected. Any infraction of that 
rule must be punished as pillage or marauding. 
If the conquered country is condemned to lodging 
and feeding the invaders, an equitable stipulation 
must put forth what is to be furnished to each 



168 

officer and private. It is humane not to deprive the 
poor people of their cottages and scanty means of 
existence. Whoever exacts more than is stipulated, 
is an extortioner." 

Tested by these accepted rules of civilized 
warfare, the conduct of General Sherman's army, 
and particularly of Kilpatrick's cavalry and the 
numerous detached parties swarming through the 
country in advance and on the flanks of the main 
columns during the march from Atlanta to the 
coast, is reprehensible in the extreme. Not con- 
tent with the violent and inordinate destruction 
of everything which might be regarded as even 
remotely contributing to the military strength and 
resources of the country, and the appropriation of 
such animals and provisions as were necessary for 
the efficiency and maintenance of the army, the 
Federals on every hand and at all points indulged 
in wanton pillage, wasting and destroying what 
could not be used. Defenseless women and children 
and weak old men were not infrequently driven 
from their homes, their dwellings fired, and these 
non-combatants subjected to insult and privation. 
The inhabitants, white and black, were often 
robbed of their personal effects, were intimidated 
by threats and temporary confinement, and occa- 
sionally were even hung up to the verge of final 
strangulation to compel a revelation of the places 



169 

wliere money, plate and jewelry were buried, or 
plantation animals concealed. Private residences 
along the line of march were not ex(3mpt from 
rude search. Articles of value which they con- 
tained were carried off at pleasure, and insults 
continually offered. Corn cribs, epiptied of so much 
of their contents as sufficed to fill the commissary 
wagons, were often either pulled to pieces or com- 
mitted to the flames. Cotton houses, gins, screws, 
and cotton were universally consumed. Agricul- 
tural implements were broken up or carried away, 
and horses, mules, cattle and hogs were either 
driven off", or were shot in the fields, or uselessly 
butchered in the pens and lots. Such was the 
wholesale destruction of this animal life that the 
whole region stunk with putrefying carcasses, and 
earth and air were filled with innumerable turkey 
buzzards battening upon their thickly strewn death 
feasts. Even churches did not escape the general 
wreck, their wooden benches, doors and sides being 
used for camp fires, and their pulpits stripped of 
their scanty vesture. Grist, flour, and sugar mills 
shared in the common ruin. Labor was sadly 
disorganized, and the entire region swept by the 
Federal columns was left in poverty, ruin, de- 
moralization and ashes. To repress the commission 
of these enormities and prevent this prodigal and 
unwarrantable waste, neither effort was used nor 
22 



170 

disposition manifested by subordinate officers. 
Soldiers often vied with each other in acts of 
violence, insult, outrage, pillage, desolation, and 
murder. 

These intolerable violations of the rules of ci- 
vilized warfare, are, by the commanding general 
when, in the official report to which we have 
already referred, commenting upon the conduct of 
the rank and file of his army, cavalierly dismissed 
with the remark, " a little loose in foraging, they 
did some things they ought not to have done, 
yet, on the whole, they have supplied the wants 
of the army with as little violence as could be ex- 
pected, and as little loss as I calculated." This 
general complacently and boastfully announces to 
his government that eighty million dollars worth 
of the property destroyed in Georgia by his army 
while on this march was " simple waste and destruc- 
tion,'' in no wise contributing to the wants of the 
invader, but plunging the unarmed invaded in a 
sea of sorrow, tribulation and ruin. The picture 
is not over-drawn, and this march of Sherman 
through the heart of Georgia forms as memorable 
and mournful an epoch in the history of this state as 
in Roman annals does the passage of the victorious 
Goths, encumbered with weighty spoils, through 
the southern provinces of Italy, annihilating what- 
ever opposed, and madly plundering an unresisting 



171 

country. The key note to the conduct of the 
whole campaign is sounded in the letter to General 
Grant from which we quoted at the commencement 
of this sketch. General Sherman set out to " make 
Georgia howl,'' and preferred to " march through 
that state smashing tJiim/s to the sea." Unfortu- 
ately for the prosperity of Georgia, the good order 
of her plantations, and the peace of her defenseless 
women and children, he was able, almost unmo- 
lested, to carry into merciless execution this inten- 
tion so ruthlessly formed. That he could thus 
easily compass the desolation of this Egypt of the 
south argued most plainly the growing weakness 
of the Confederacy — sore pressed at every point 
isolated on every hand, overwhelmed by numbers 
and despoiled of her defenders — and gave painful 
token that the aspirations which her sons had 
cherished in tears, and agony and blood, for right 
and liberty and national independence were 
doomed to early disappointment. 

The student of history searching among the an- 
nals of modern warfare for examples of modera- 
tion, humanity, justice, honor, and a chivalrous 
recognition of the rights of an enemy, will turn 
with regret and disappointment from the pages 
containing a true narrative of " Sherman's march 
to the sea." He will blush at this new exhibition of 
the workings of that boasted utilitarian civilization 



172 

which has done so much to impair the manhoop 
and lower the moral standard of this country, being 
from the first intolerant, aggressive, and cruel. 

It really seems as if the Federal general on this 
occasion sought to rival the conduct of Prevost 
when in 1779 he raided through the richest plant- 
ations of South Carolina. Behold the picture 
painted by the historian Bancroft^ in his conclud- 
ing volume. " The British forced their way into 
almost every house in a wide extent of country ; 
sparing in some measure those who professed loy- 
alty to the king, they rifled all others of their 
money, rings, personal ornaments and plate, 
stripped houses of furniture and linen, and even 
broke open tombs in search of hidden treasure. 
Objects of value, not transportable by land or 
water, were destroyed. Porcelain, mirrors, win- 
dows, were dashed in pieces ; gardens carefully 
planted with exotics were laid waste. Domestic 
animals, which could not be used nor carried off, 
were wantonly shot, and in some places not even 
a chicken was left alive. * * Fugitive slaves 
perished of want in the woods, or of fever in the 
British camp." 

The enormities of 1779 committed by British 
soldiers in their effort to perpetuate English rule 

1 " History of the United States," vol. x, p. 294. Boston, 1874. 



173 

over a colony then in open revolt against the 
crown which had planted and nurtured it, were 
more than repeated by the United States troops in 
their attempt in 1864 to subjugate and drive back 
into the Federal union a sovereign state which had 
withdrawn from a political compact into which she 
had at first voluntarily entered, and from which, 
more than three years before, she had freed her- 
self because, in her judgment, that Confederation 
no longer promoted the ends of justice, equal rights, 
general benefit, and mutual protection for which 
it was originally formed. If we unhesitatingly 
reprobate the merciless rigor, revenge, and cruelty 
of the royalist Prevost, by what law, human or 
divine, do the raiding, devastating columns of the 
republican Sherman stand acquitted of even Severer 
condemnation? ^ 

As a military movement this expedition can be 
justified only upon the hypothesis that it was 
planned and executed with full knowledge of the 
weakness of the Confederates. It reached its ob- 



1 It has been estimated that not less than 10,000 negro slaves 
were seduced from their allegiance by the Federals in their 
march through the Greorgia plantations. Hundreds of them 
died of want, small-pox, and other diseases incident to neglect, 
privation, and the lack of suitable shelter and clothing. More 
than 20,000 bales of cotton were consumed in gin houses and 



174 

jective, as we have clearly shown, because Gene- 
ral Beauregard was unable to concentrate even a 
tolerable army of opposition. 

Tested by the rules of scientific warfare, this 
expedition was erratic in conception and violative 
of the accepted military maxims governing the 
projection and conduct of a campaign of this cha- 
racter. That it was not interrupted and totally 
defeated in its execution, must be attributed to 



slieds, and some 25,000 more were seized in Savanntih after 
that city was evacuated by the Confederates. In their official 
returns the United States officers account for 13,000 head of 
cattle, 9,500,000 pounds of corn and 10,500,000 pounds of 
fodder forcibly taken from the planters without the shadow of 
acknowledgment and issued to the troops and animals, but 
make no mention of horses and mules stolen ad libitum, or of the 
stock, cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry killed on every hand and 
in the most irregular way to satisfy the wasteful appetite of 
prowling bands of bummers and free hooters, and, when that 
was glutted, uselessly shot in the yards, pens, and fields of the 
owners and by the road side to gratify wanton sport, barbaric 
cruelty, and ribald hate. Of the consumption of rice, sweet 
potatoes, syrup, peas and vegetables, of the merciless destruction 
of houses, furniture, fences and agricultural implements, of the 
quantity of personal property stolen and carried away, of the 
thefts committed, the insults offered, the outrages perpetrated and 
the crimes indulged in, no inventory has been taken. And yet 
the record remains, and can be authenticated by thousands upon 
whose homes the shadows of dire calamity have rested for the 
past ten years. Sheridan in the valley of Virginia ! Butler in 
New Orleans ! ! Sherman in Georgia ! ! ! 



175 

accident — the inability of the Confederates to con- 
centrate an army sufficiently strong to deliver 
battle along the line of march. 

The Federal losses encountered during the in- 
terval ocupied by Sherman's march from Atlanta 
to the coast, including those sustained in the efforts 
made in South Carolina to obtain possession of the 
Charleston and Savannah rail road, will proba- 
bly aggregate 2800 men, killed, wounded and 
missing. Estimated in the same way, and for a 
similar period, the Confederate loss will not exceed 
1500. During the siege casualties on the Con- 
federate side were comparatively few. This fact 
is mainly attributable to the admirable protection 
afforded by the earth works along the western 
line. Prominent among those who fell in defense 
of the city was Major Cook of the Athens battalion. 
He was shot in the forehead while holding a por- 
tion of the line on Daly's farm. His gallant 
conduct had been conspicuous. Few desertions 
occurred when the city was evacuated ; and al- 
though the garrison was composed in no small 
degree of local troops and reserves whose families, 
homes, and property were there, the men as a rule, 
tearfully and yet bravely marched in silence 
through the city, turning their backs upon all the 
heart holds most dear, in response to the stern 
necessities of the occasion and in obedience to the 



176 

claims of a country sorely beleaguered but devotedly 
loved. 

Thus a second time in her history of a little 
more than a century and a quarter was the city 
of Oglethorpe compelled to pass under the yoke. 
Eighty-six years before, approaching from the 
south and east, the British regulars under the 
active and able leadership of Lieut. Coin. Campbell 
quickly overcame the feeble and ill contrived re- 
sistance offered by General Howe, driving his 
troops in confusion through the town and accom- 
plishing an easy capture of the then capital of 
Georgia. , This disaster entailed upon the van- 
quished not only serious loss but intense mortifica- 
tion. Savannah should then have been successfully 
defended. Had proper dispositions been made by 
the American general, the troops under his com- 
mand were sufficient to have beaten back the 
advancing column boldly but imprudently led. 
On this occasion military skill and precaution 
were lacking. The calamity should have been 
averted. 

In December, 1864, however, it may be fairly 
claimed that everything was done which energy, 
precaution, and willing hearts on the part of the 
Confederates could achieve. Every available re- 
source was expended upon the construction and 
armament of the western line. All troops which 



177 

could be procured were summoned and put in 
position for its defense. For ten da^ s did the garri- 
son boldly confront an enemy more than six times 
stronger than itself, preserving its line intact until 
the fall of Fort McAllister, the growing scarcity of 
provisions and ordnance stores, and the almost 
total isolation of the Confederate army rendered 
the evacuation of the city absolutely necessary. 

The destruction of guns, ammunition, and ord- 
nance stores in the presence of the enemy without 
attracting their notice, the successful withdrawal 
of the command across the pontoon bridges over 
the Savannah river, the absence of all noise and 
confusion during the movement consummated at 
night, and above all the safe conduct of such a 
large body of troops, with artillery and wagons, 
along the narrow rice dams and causeways of the 
Carolina shore, in a slender column, in close prox- 
imity to a strong Federal force extending from 
Izard's plantation for more than a mile parallel or 
nearly so with the Confederate line of retreat — 
and that without loss or interruption — indicate at 
once with what skill and care the Confederate 
cemmander had arranged his plans, and the excel- 
lent behavior of his troops in executing them. 
The salvation of the garrison under such circum- 
stances, while reflecting severely upon the Fede- 
23 



178 

rals, will be recognized as a marked achievement 
on the part of the Confederates. 

The day after the evacuation, Lieut. Genl. Har- 
(Jee — that accomplished soldier who, as a corps- 
commander, had rendered such brilliant service 
in the Confederate struggle for independence — 
in reviewing the conduct of the seige and com- 
menting upon the successful retreat of the garrison^ 
remarked to the writer that while sadly deploring 
the loss of the city he was persuaded nothing had 
been neglected which could have contributed to 
the honor of our arms ; and that, under the cir- 
cumstances, he regarded the safe withdrawal of 
his army from the lines around Savannah as one 
of the most signal and satisfactory exploits in his 
military career. 



INDEX 



Abell, Captn.,51, 113. 

Acee, battery, 83. 

Acee, Lieut., 118. 

Adams, Maj., 114. 

Address of the representatives 
from Georgia in Confederate 
Congress to their constitu- 
ents, 17, 18. 

Allen, Brig. Genl. W. W., 69, 147. 

Anderson, Lt. Coin., 69. 

Anderson, Brig. Genl. C. D., 28, 
55 11'^ 

Anderson,'^Coln. E. C, 104, 118, 
151, 152, 161. 

Anderson, Coin. E. C. jr., 160. 

Anderson, Maj. Geo. W., 107,123- 
128. 

Anderson, Brig. Genl. R. H., 62, 
69, 148. 

Anderson, Captn. R. W., 29, 87, 
112. 

Andersonville, 56. 

ArgyJe island, 119. 

Arnold, Hon. R. D., mayor, ad- 
dress of, 74; makes formal 
surrender of the city of Sa- 
vannah, 163. 

Atkins, Coin., 76. 

Atlanta, Georgia, 2. 

Augusta, Georgia, 25, 61. 

Bacon, Lieut. Coin., 39. 
Baker, Brig. Genl. L. 8., 55, 113. 
Ball's ferry, affair at, 47-49. 
Bancroft, Hon. George, 172. 
Barnes, battery, 83. 
Barnes, Captn. George, 114. 
Barnwell, Captn., 115. 



Bartow, fort, 98, 102, 151. 

Bay battery, 101. 

Beaulieu, battery, 98, 99, 103, 135, 
152. 

Beauregard, Genl. P. G. T., 6; his 
dispatches in anticipation of 
Sherman's march through 
Georgia, 9-12 ; instructions 
in regard to the tenure and 
defense of Savannah, 109- 
110; arrives in Savannah, 
138; orders distribution of 
troops after evacuation of Sa- 
vannah, 157-162. 

Blair, Maj. Geo. F. P. jr., 2,76. 

Black, Major, 50-52, 87. 

Boggs, fort, 99. 

Breckinridge, Coin., 58. 

Brent, Captn., 154. 

Brier creek, 61. 

Brooks, Major, 114. 

Brooks, Captn. JohnW., 87, 115, 
118. 

Brooks's foreign battalion, deser- 
tions from, 137-138. 

Brown, Governor Jos. E. , pro- 
clamation of, 15-17. 

Brown, fort, 99. 

Browne, Coin. Wm. M., 114. 

Brumley, Captn., 66. 

Brunswick, 98. 

Buck-head, affair at, 63-64. 

Butler, Genl. B. P., 166, 174. 

Campbell, Lieut. Coin. A., 176. 
Capers, Maj. P. W., 44, 49, 81. 
Carman, Coin., 136. 
Carswell, Brig. Genl., 112. 



180 



Causton bluff battery, 102. 

Cavalry, Confederate, operations 
of, 57-72 ; force engaged 68 ; 
privations endured by, 70- 
71 ; operations of, on left 
banii of Savannah river, 137, 
145-147. 

Chapman, Lieut. Henry, 70. 

Ciiesnut, Brig. Genl., 83, 95, 159. 

Cbeves, battery, 102. 

Church-lot battery, 108. 

Clar'i, Coin. J. J., 100, 149. 

Clemon, Maj., 114. 

Clinch, Coin. J. H. M., 117. 

Clinch, Captn. N. B., 106, 127. 

Clinton, affair at, 58. 

Cobb, Maj. Genl. Howell, 6, 7, 
22, 24. 

Colcock, Coin. C. J., 35, 36, 37, 
96, 159. 

Confederacj', the southern, ex- 
hausted condition of, at the 
time of Sherman's march 
through Georgia, 4-8. 

Cook, Major, 23, 39, 113, 175. 

Cook, Cola., 66. 

Coosawhatchie, 93, 95. 

Crews, Coin. C. C, 57, 69. 

Dalhgren, Admiral, 121, 132. 

Dalyfarm, 112, 118,119. 

Daniell, Captn., 113. 

Davis, Maj. Genl. Jeff. C, 2, 8, 
72, 75. 

De Soto, 7. 

Dibrell, Brig. Genl., 63, 69. 

Early, Maj. Genl. Jubal A., 165. 
Edwards, Coin. A. C, 94, 160. 
Elliott, Lieut., 118. 
Evacuation of Savannah, 151-157. 
Evans, Lieut. Coin., 28, 39. 
Eve, Captn. F. E., 137. 

Federal artillery, how distributed, 

77. 
Federal army, location of, while 

investing Savannah, 75-77. 
Federal violations of the rules of 

civilized warfare, 168-174. 
Ferguson, Brig. Genl., 58, 115, 

136. 



Fire-Fly, the steamer, burnt, 154. 
Fizer, Coin. Jno. C.,56, 107. 
Foster, Brig. Genl., 121, 132. 
Frobel, Lieut. Coin. B. W., 82, 
133. 



Gaines, Coin., 49, 59. 

Gartrell, Brig. Genl., 93. 

Geary, Bi-is. Genl. Jno. W., 136. 
162-163. 

Georgia, the iron-clad battery, 
sunk, 152. 

Georgia, defenceless condition of, 
during Sherman's march, 4- 
8 ; the legislature of, author- 
izes a levy en mfisi^e, 13, 14; 
proclamation of the governor 
of, 15-17 ; address of repre- 
sentatives from, in Confede- 
rate Congress, 17, 18 ; Supple- 
mental proclamation of Genl. 
Wright, 19-20; gallant con- 
duct of the state forces of, 
at Griswoldville, 26-31; at 
Honey hill, 33-42; Resolu- 
tions of the legislature of, 
complimenting Genl. Smith 
and the state forces, 43 ; orig- 
inal line for the defense of the 
sea-coast of, 97; ruthlessly 
endamaged by Sherman, 164, 
165 ; sufferings of her people 
at the hands of the Federals, 
168-174. 

Gibson's point battery, 102, 151. 

Gildersleeve, Captn., 117. 

Gon::ales. Coin., 160. 

Gordon, Coin. Geo. A., 87. 

Grahamville, 33-40. 

Grant, Captn. M. B.,23, 50. 

Grant, Genl. U. S., 2, 5, 41. 

Green island battery, 97, 99. 

Greenwich, batterj^ at, 98, 103. 

Gregory's point, 93, 95. 

Grimball's house battery, 103. 

Grimball's point battery, 103. 

Griswoldville, battle of, 26-31, 59. 

Guerard, Capt Jno. M., 115. 

Giierin, Maj. H. C, 89. 

Gwathmey, Captn. W., 152. 



181 



Hagan, Coin., 59, 69. 

Hamilton, M ijor, 112, 115. 

Hardee, Lieut. Genl. Wm. J. C, 
at Macon, 24 ; at Savannah, 
25 ; orders state forces to Gra- 
hamville, 38, 34, at Oconee 
bridge, 49; in command at 
Savannah, 88 ; orders Genl. 
Sam. Jones to Pocotaligo 92 ; 
dispatches from Genl. Bean- 
regard to, respecting tenure 
and defease of Savannah, 
109-110, 117; refuses to sur- 
render Savannah, 141-142 ; 
orders evacuation of Sa- 
vannah, 148-150 ; strength of 
the army of, on the morning 
of the evacuation, 154 ; retires 
to Hardeeville, 157; esta- 
blishes his head quarters at 
Charleston, 162 ; his estimate 
of the successful evacuation 
of Savannah, 178. 

Hardeman, fort, 80-82, 112, 118. 

Hardeman, Coin. Thos., 28. 

Harrison, Coin., 59. 

Harrison, Coin. Geo. P. jr., 160. 

•Hartridge, Maj. Alfred L., 45- 
59. 

Hatch, Brig. Genl. Jno. P., at 
Boyd's neck, 84 ; defeated at 
Honey hill, 35-41. 

Hawley, Coin., 119. 

Hazen, Biig. Genl., 121, 122 ; cap- 
tures fort McxlUister, 128- 
129. 

Hazzard, Lieut., 127, 128. 

Henry, Captn.,128. 

Hill, Coin., 81, 112. 

Honey hill, battle of, 36-42. 

Hood, Coin. A., 107, 147. 

Hood, Genl. J. B., 3, 4, 5, 21. 

Howard, Captn. C. W., 51, 74. 

Howard, Maj. Genl. O. O., 3, 8, 
76. 

Howe, Brig. Genl. Robt., 176. 

Hudson, Lieut. M. G., 70. 

Huger, Lieut., 45, 50. 

Humes, Brig. Genl. W". Y. C, 62, 
69, 147. 

Hutchinson island battery, 101. 



Ida, capture of the steamer, 117. 
Inundation of low-grounds, in 

front of western line, 79-80. 
Isle of Hope, batteries on the, 98, 

103, 152. 
Isondiga, the steamer, burnt, 154. 
Iverson, Brig. Genl. A., 22, 60, 

135, 147. 

Jackson, fort, 98, 101. 
Jackson, Major, 39, 114. 
Jackson, Brig. Genl. Jno. K., 113, 

114. 
Jenkins, Maj. Jno., 39, 160. 
Jones, battery, 84, 118, 119. 
Jones, Lieut. Coin. Charles C. jr., 

87, 148, 158-157. 
Jones, Mij. Genl. Saml., 92-94, 

158, 161. 

Kilpatrick, Brig. Genl. Judson, 2, 
8, 60; almost captured by 
Genl. Wheeler, 62, 63 ; seeks 
protection of his infantry, 64 ; 
checked at Rocky creek, 65 ; 
at Waynesboro, 65 ; raids 
through Liberty and Bryan 
counties, 7!> ; lawless conduct 
of his command, 77. 

King's bridge, 121. 

Lawton, battery, 103. 

Lee, battery, 102. 

Lee, Genl. R. ^.,4, 166. 

Lewis, Brig. Genl., 68, 113. 

Light batteries, present during 
siege of Savannah, 84-85 ; 
how distributed, 88, 87. 

Lines for the defense of Savannah, 
at Monteith, 77, 78 ; western, 
78-80; how armed, 80-85; 
how garrisoned, 85-86, 111- 
115 ; for the protection of the 
sea-coast of Georgia, 97-98 ; 
exterior, and interior, cover- 
ing water, eastern, and south- 
ern approaches, 98-108; in- 
security of western, II5-II9. 

Macon, defenses of 33, 34 ; Federal 
demonstration against, 34. 



182 



Mann, Coin., 28. 

Maxwell, Captn. J. A., 87, 115. 

McAllister, Ibrt, 97, 93 ; its loca- 
tion and memories, 104-108; 
its armament, 106 ; provi- 
sioned previous to its isola- 
tion, 107 ; isolated, 108; fired 
upon by De Grase's light bat- 
tery, 119,124; captured by 
Bri.o;. Genl. Hazeu, 121-122; 
Maj. Anderson's report of the 
fall of, 123-128 ; Brig. Genl. 
Hazeu's report of the cap- 
ture of, 128-129 ; gallant me- 
mories of, 130. 

McBeth, battery, 82. 

McCoy, Brig. Genl., 28, 147. 

McCrady, Maj. John, 100, 111. 

McLaws, Maj. Genl. Lafayette, 
45, 47, 56, 86, 100, 111-113, 
148, 159, 161. 

Mercer, foit, 99. 

Mercer, Brig. Genl. H. W., 85, 
113, 114. 

Milledgeville, 8, 24, 44. 

Millen, 50, 54, 56. 

Mouteith, Confederate line at, 50- 
52, 56. 

Morrison, Captn., 128. 

Mower, Brig. Genl. , 77. 

Negro troops at battle of Honey 

hill, 41. 
Nicoll, Captn. Geo. A., 127. 
Nisbet, Lieut. Coin. R. B., 24, 

114, 118. 

Oconee bridge, defense of, 45-50. 
O'Neal, Lieul., T., 123, 127. 
Ordnance stores during the siege 

of Savannah, 88. 
Osterhaus, Maj. Genl. P. J., 2, 

56, 58, 76. 
Overflow in front of western lines, 

79-80. 
Owens, Hon. Geo. S., 51, 84, 118. 

Paul, Lieut. Coin. S. B., 87, 155. 
Peebles, Captn., 36, 37. 
Phillips, Brig. Genl. P. J., 28-31, 
55. 



Pine-point battery, 84, 118. 

Pocotaligo, 93. 

Polybius, 166. 

Pontoon bridges across Savannah 

river, 133-135, 153-155. 
Prevost, Genl. A., 172. 
Provisions, 88, 120. 
Pruden, Captn., 44, 49, 81. 
Puckett, Maj.. 137. 
Pulaski, fort, 97, 98. 

Rains, Coin., 87. 

Rations, statement of, issued to 

troops in Savannah, 89-91. 
Red bluft; 68, 98 ; battery at, 101. 
Reese, Captn., 121. 
Relief Associations, 136. 
Resolute, the steamer, captured, 

119. 
Resolutions of the legislature of 

Georgia complimentary to 

Genl. Smith and the state 

forces, 43. 
Robertson, Brig. Genl., 70. 
Robertson, Brig. Genl. B. H., 95, 

159. 
Robertson, Maj. George jr., 88, 

91. 
Rocky creek, affair at, 65. 
Rose-dew batteries, 53, 98, 103, 

152. 
Ryan, Lieut. R. B., 70. 

Sand bags, use of, on western 
line, 136. 

Sandersville, affair at, 60. 

Savannah, Georgia, Confederate 
forces concentrated for the 
defense of 73, 86; w^estern 
lines of, enveloped by Sher- 
man's army, 75 ; lines for the 
defense of, at Monteith, 77; 
inner western line, 78-79; in- 
undation in front of western 
lines, 79-80 ; batteiies along 
these western lines of, how 
armed, 81-85 ; how gari'isoned 
and commanded, 85-86, 112- 
115 ; ordnance stores and pro- 
visions in, 87-88 ; issue of 
rations to troops in, 89-91 ; 



188 



Savannah, Georgia, continued — 
advanced line for the control 
ol' the water appi'oaches to, 
98 ; interior hne of forts and 
water batteries, 98 ; field works 
covering eastern and south- 
ern exposures of, 99-100 ; ar- 
mament of forts and l)atteries 
around, 101-106 ; orders of 
Genl. Beauregard toucliing 
tenure and defense of, 109- 
110; insecurity of western 
lines aronnd, 115-116; fall of 
Fort McAllister necessitated 
the evacuation of, 131 ; pon- 
toon bridges from, to Caro- 
lina shore, 133-135 ; siege of, 
117-163; surrender of, de- 
manded by Genl. Sherman, 
139-140; Genl. Hardee re- 
fuses to surrender, 141-142 ; 
Sherman threatens to bom- 
bard, 140-141 ; Federals pre- 
pare to bombard and assault, 
144 ; orders for evacuation of, 
148-150 ; garrison of, with- 
draws, 151-157; destruction 
of guns and ammunition in 
the batteries and on western 
lines of, 152-157; Federals 
take possession of, 163; sur- 
rendered by Mayor Arnold, 
163; casualties during the 
siege of, 175 ; capture of, in 
1779, 176. 

Savannah, the iron clad, de- 
stroyed, 154. 

Schirm, Lieut. Wm., 127, 128. 

Shaw's dam, affair at, 117, 118. 

Sheridan, Genl., 166, 174. 

Sherman, Maj. Genl. Wm. T., 
proposes to " make Oeorgia 
howl" 1; letter of, to Genl. 
Grant, 1-2 ; composition and 
equipment of the army of in- 
vasion of, 2-3; march of 
through Georgia a holiday 
excursion, 4-8; moves from 
Atlanta toward the coast, 8 ; 
demonstrates against Macon, 
24 ; engages the state troops 



Sherman, Maj. Genl., continued — 
at Griswoldville, 26 ; envelops 
the western lines around Sa- 
vannah, 75 ; manifests a lack 
of energy and dash in not as- 
saulting the Confederate lines 
around Savannah, 115-117; 
anxiety of, to open commun- 
ication with the Federal 
fleet, 120 ; resolves to capture 
Fort McAllister, 121-126 ; 
communicates with Admiral 
Dahlgren, 131, 132, demands 
the surrender of Savannah, 
139-140; threatens to bom- 
bard that city, 140-142 ; jjre- 
pares to bombard and assault, 
144; reports waste and de- 
struction caused by his army, 
164-165; recital of wrongs 
perpetrated by, 168-173 ; tiie 
campaign of, considered as a 
military movement, 173-175. 

Slocum, Maj. Genl. H. W., 2, 8, 
44, 72. 

Smith, Captn., 137. 

Smith, Lieut. Genl. E. Kirby, 6. 

Smith, Maj. Genl. G. W., 6,7; 
operations of, near Atlanta, 
21-22 ; retreats from Jones- 
boro to Macon, 22 ; ordered 
to Augusta, 25-26 ; destina- 
tion of his command changed 
to Savannah, 32 ; arrives at 
Savannah, 33; ordered to 
Grahamville, 33-34 ; com- 
mands at battle of Honey 
hill, 35-42 ; returns to Sa- 
vannah, 42; where stationed 
and his command during the 
siege of Savannah, 85-86, 112, 
148 ; ordered to Augusta, 158, 
159. 

Smith, Captn. L. J., 100. 

Smith, Maj. Genl. M. L., 23. 

St. Catherine island, battery on, 
97. 

Steele, Capt. S. W., 70. 

Stewart, Lieut. J. M., 70. 

Strong, Maj., 132. 

Stuart, Captn., 39. 



184 



Talbott, Captn.,44. 

Taliaferro, Brig. Genl. W. B., 

158, 161, 
Tattnall, Commodore, 155. 
Taylor, Lieut. Geul. K., 6, 25. 
Thomas, Maj. Geul. Geo. H., 4. 
Thomas's station, affair at, 65. 
Thunderbolt, batteries at, 98, 99, 

103, 151. 
Toombs, Genl. Eobt., 55. 
TullifinDej' trestle, action near, 94. 
Turner's point battery, 102, 151. 
Twiggs, Captn., 53. 
Tybee island battery, 97. 

Yon Zinken, Coin., 114. 

Waddy, Lieut. Coin. J. R., 100. 

Wagner, Captn., 113. 

Warsaw island battery, 97. 

Wayne, Adjutant General Henry 
C, at Gordon, 44; at Oconee 
bridge, 45-52 ; at Millen, 54; 
at station 4^ C.R.R., 55. 

Waynesboro, affair at, 62-66. 



Wheeler, Maj. Genl. J., 7, 9; ar- 
rives from Alabama, 22 ; dis- 
putes the Federal advance» 
28 ; report of cavalry opera- 
tions of, 57-72, 96; arrives in 
Savannah, l35; operates on 
left bank of Savannah river, 
137-145, 147 ; and in rear of 
Sherman's army, 147, 160. 

White, Major, 94. 

White, Captn. Thos. S., 125. 

Whitemarsh lines, 102, 151. 

Williams, Brig. Gen. A. S., 2, 75. 

Williamson's plantation, batteries 
on, 80-82. 

Willis, Coin., 39. 

Wilson, Coin., 39. 

Worthen, Lieut. Coin., 113. 

Wright, Maj. Genl. A. R., 19, 20, 
86, 113-114, 148, 159. 

Young, Brig. Genl. P. M. B., 96, 
136, 148. 

Zealy, Lieut.,36, 37. 



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p. 49 18th line Hayward's 

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" 85 9th " mayor 

" 91 9th " 1,1291 

" 106 last " banks 

" 151 14th '• points 

" 155 7th " mariners 

" 159 27th " 300 

"163 20th " may orrequested 



should be Heywards. 

" " exceeded. 

" " major. 

" 11, 291. 

" " ank. 

" " jxAnt. 

" " marines. 

" 500. 

" mayor requested. \. 



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